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Best destinations to visit in March in Asia

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Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
9.7
Cherry trees bloom in Ueno Park and along the Meguro River, usually opening in late March. Picnickers spread tarps under the trees for hanami. At night paper lanterns glow and the petals drift onto the water. Chidorigafuchi moat is a favourite spot for boat rides under the blossoms.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Visit the teamLab digital art museum
  • 🌆 Enjoy panoramic city views from observation decks
  • 🍣 Savour sushi at a local eatery
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
Mountains ring this basin city on three sides. Plum blossoms open at Kitano Tenmangu in early March. Cherry blossoms follow in late March along the Philosopher's Path. Thousands of red torii gates climb the hillside at Fushimi Inari. Temples and gardens fill every district of the old capital.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Climb the vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • 🍱 Experience Japan’s beautifully presented Kaiseki dining at a traditional restaurant
  • 🎋 Stroll through the magical Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning
Hiroshima
Peace Park, okonomiyaki and Miyajima ferry
8.4
The Atomic Bomb Dome stands beside Peace Memorial Park as a reminder of 1945. It joined UNESCO's list in 1996. Nearby Miyajima has a shrine gate that appears to float at high tide. Cherry blossoms start to open in late March along the rivers of the city.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Stroll Shukkeien Garden’s tranquil bridges and ponds
  • 🏛️ View the haunting ruins of the Atomic Bomb Dome
  • 🕊️ Reflect at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
Sri Lanka
Ancient cities, tea hills and surf beaches
7.3
King Kasyapa built a palace on top of Sigiriya, a 200 metre rock, in the fifth century. Frescoes of women line the climb. UNESCO listed the site in 1982. The south coast is dry and sunny in March. Blue whales feed off Mirissa until about April.
Highlights:
  • 🚂 Take a scenic train ride through the tea plantations to Ella
  • 🐘 Spot elephants on safari in Minneriya National Park
  • 🪨 Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and admire its ancient frescoes
Palawan
Paradise of Lagoons and Limestone Cliffs
8.2
This long, narrow island stretches about 280 miles and its province is the largest in the Philippines. The dry season runs through March. El Nido has limestone cliffs rising from bright lagoons. Coron has Japanese shipwrecks from 1944 for divers. The Underground River is a UNESCO site.
Highlights:
  • 🏝️ Go island hopping around the turquoise waters of Coron Bay
  • 🛶 Explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • ⛵ Sail through the limestone cliffs and lagoons of El Nido
Maldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
9.2
March falls in the dry season that runs from December to April. Calm seas and clear water suit diving and snorkelling. The country has about 1,190 coral islands in 26 atolls. Water stays near 84 degrees Fahrenheit all month. Whale sharks gather around South Ari Atoll.
Highlights:
  • 🌌 Watch a glowing beach at night on Vaadhoo Island
  • 🦈 Snorkel with reef sharks and manta rays at Hanifaru Bay
  • 🏝️ Stay in an overwater villa surrounded by turquoise lagoon
India
Palaces, temples, backwaters and Himalayan peaks
7.5
Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal between 1632 and 1653 in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It earned World Heritage status in 1983. March brings sunny days before the summer heat, with Agra highs near 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan also have warm dry days.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Sail on the serene backwaters of Kerala
  • 🛺 Take a colorful rickshaw ride through Old Delhi’s lanes
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise over the majestic Taj Mahal
Jordan
Ancient wonders meet desert landscapes
8.0
Cool spring air and blooming black irises greet hikers in the hills in March. Days near 70 degrees Fahrenheit suit the long walk through the siq into Petra. The Nabataean city earned UNESCO status in 1985. Wadi Rum has red sand and rock arches under clear skies.
Highlights:
  • 🐪 Ride a camel across the desert dunes of Wadi Rum
  • 💧 Float weightlessly on the salty waters of the Dead Sea
  • 🏛️ Marvel at the rose-red rock city of Petra
Nepal
Land of Himalayan wonders
8.5
Locals celebrate Fagu Purnima, their Holi festival, with coloured powder and water in March. Rhododendrons, the national flower, bloom on trails around Annapurna. Clear mornings give long views of the Himalayas. Kathmandu Valley temples earned UNESCO status in 1979. Spring is also a busy trekking season.
Highlights:
  • 🕍 Explore the ancient temples and squares of Kathmandu Valley
  • 🛩️ Take a scenic flight over Mount Everest
  • 🏔️ Hike to Everest Base Camp and witness majestic peaks
South Korea
Tradition meets modern innovation
8.7
Plum blossoms open in mid March at the Gwangyang Maehwa festival in the south. Yellow canola flowers cover fields on Jeju, where cherry blossoms start in late March. Seoul follows in early April. Mild days and clear skies make walks along rivers and palace walls pleasant.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Explore vibrant Myeongdong shopping and street food
  • 🌇 Climb N Seoul Tower for panoramic city views
  • 🏯 Visit the historical Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
Vietnam
Ancient charm meets natural wonder
7.7
This S shaped country stretches about 1,000 miles from north to south. The centre is dry in March, so Hoi An's lantern lit streets and the beaches near Da Nang are pleasant. Hanoi is mild. Ha Long Bay has about 1,600 limestone islands and earned UNESCO status in 1994.
Highlights:
  • 🍜 Taste authentic Vietnamese pho at a bustling street stall
  • 🏮 Walk the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An at night
  • ⛵ Cruise through Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts at sunrise
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