Hoi An in March: Complete Travel Guide for Your Perfect Visit

March marks one of the best times to experience Hoi An in March, with pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant cultural celebrations. This ancient UNESCO town transforms into a paradise for travelers seeking authentic Vietnamese experiences without the peak season rush. Whether you’re planning to explore lantern-lit streets, lounge on pristine beaches, or get custom tailoring done, March offers ideal conditions. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Hoi An in March.

Why March is the Perfect Time to Visit Hoi An

Planning a trip to Hoi An in March puts you right in the sweet spot between seasons. This transition period between winter and summer brings some of the year’s most comfortable weather, making it ideal for exploring this enchanting town. You’ll encounter fewer tourists compared to the peak months of April through August, which means shorter queues at popular attractions and a more authentic local experience.

March’s comfortable temperatures make walking tours through the Ancient Town genuinely enjoyable rather than exhausting. The month also hosts special cultural events and festivals, particularly the mesmerizing full moon lantern festival. Better yet, hotel rates remain more reasonable than high season, and availability is excellent, giving you more choices for accommodation. For a comprehensive overview of traveling throughout the country during this month, check out our guide on Visiting Vietnam in March: Weather and Best Places to Go.

Weather in Hoi An Vietnam in March: What to Expect

Temperature and Climate

The weather in Hoi An Vietnam in March is remarkably pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 22-28°C (72-82°F). This comfortable range makes it perfect for all-day exploration without the oppressive heat that characterizes summer months. Humidity levels are notably lower compared to June through September, meaning you’ll stay comfortable even during midday activities. With minimal rainfall averaging just 50-80mm throughout the month, you can confidently plan outdoor adventures knowing sunny days are the norm rather than the exception.

Rainfall and Dry Days

While March isn’t completely dry, rainfall is minimal and rarely disruptive. You might experience occasional light showers on just 2-4 days throughout the month, and these are typically quick afternoon drizzles that pass within an hour. With 26-28 sunny days on average, Hoi An in March offers excellent conditions for beach visits, cycling tours, and photography. For more detailed information about weather patterns across the country, visit our Best Time to Travel to Vietnam guide.

Things to Do in Hoi An During March

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

The UNESCO World Heritage Ancient Town is Hoi An’s heart and soul. Wander the centuries-old streets where time seems to stand still, admiring the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge that has connected communities since the 1590s. Visit traditional assembly halls that showcase the town’s Chinese heritage, and step inside historic merchant houses to glimpse how wealthy traders lived centuries ago. The golden hour before sunset transforms the Ancient Town into a photographer’s dream, with warm light illuminating yellow walls and colorful lanterns beginning to glow.

Experience Hoi An Lantern Festival

One of the most magical experiences when visiting Hoi An in March is the Lantern Festival, held on the night of the full moon each lunar month. In March 2026, this enchanting celebration falls on March 2nd. As darkness falls, electric lights throughout the Ancient Town are turned off, and thousands of colorful silk lanterns illuminate the streets and riverfront. Join locals and visitors in releasing paper lanterns onto the Thu Bon River for good luck, accompanied by traditional music, folk games, and cultural performances. Street vendors sell traditional snacks while the entire town takes on an otherworldly glow. The best viewing spots are along the river and near the Japanese Bridge area, where reflections create stunning photo opportunities.

Hoi An Memories Show

Don’t miss Vietnam’s largest outdoor performance show, a spectacular production featuring over 500 actors recreating Hoi An’s 400-year history. Performed on a professional art stage on Hoi An Island, the show runs nightly weather permitting throughout March. This 60-minute spectacle combines traditional music, dance, and stunning visual effects to tell the story of the ancient trading port. Tickets range from VND 500,000-800,000 and should be booked in advance. The cooler March evenings make outdoor performances comfortable and enjoyable.

Relax at Hoi An Beaches in March

Hoi An beaches in March offer ideal conditions before the summer crowds arrive. An Bang Beach, located just 3km from Ancient Town, features calm waters perfect for swimming with temperatures around 24-26°C. Beach clubs and fresh seafood restaurants line the shore, and you’ll find it significantly less crowded than summer months. Rent sunbeds and umbrellas for about 100,000 VND to spend a relaxing day by the sea.

Cua Dai Beach sits closest to town center at 5km away, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with water sports including jet skiing and parasailing. March conditions are particularly ideal before peak season intensity builds. For those seeking solitude, Hidden Beach provides a secluded spot with pristine conditions and minimal crowds during March.

Pro tip: morning beach visits offer the calmest waters and best photo opportunities.

Get Custom-Made Clothes from Hoi An Tailors

Hoi An’s legendary tailors work wonders, and March is an excellent time for custom clothing. Order everything from suits and dresses to the traditional Vietnamese ao dai, plus shirts, pants, jackets, leather shoes, bags, and silk accessories. To help you find a tailor shop that matches your preference, read our guide on How to find the Best Tailors in Hoi An Vietnam? Ultimate guide for your best suits.

Visit 2-3 shops to compare quality and prices before committing. Bring inspiration photos or existing clothes that fit well for reference. Request at least two fittings to ensure perfect fit, and carefully check stitching, fabric quality, and lining. Allow an extra day in your itinerary in case adjustments are needed. Top recommended Hoi An tailors include Kimmy Tailor for high-end quality, Yaly Couture for reliable service, Bebe Tailor for affordable options, and B’Lan Silk for traditional Vietnamese styles.

Visit Hoi An Night Market

Opening daily from 6 PM along Nguyen Hoang Street, the night market becomes magical under March’s comfortable evening weather. Sample local specialties like Cao Lau (Hoi An’s signature noodle dish), Banh Mi, and delicate White Rose Dumplings. Browse handmade crafts, lanterns, and souvenirs while admiring colorful lantern displays along Thu Bon River. Live music and street entertainment add to the festive atmosphere, and the less humid weather makes browsing far more enjoyable than summer months.

Cycling Through Rice Paddies and Villages

March’s cooler weather creates perfect conditions for cycling tours through Hoi An’s stunning countryside. Pedal to Cam Thanh coconut village where you can take bamboo basket boat rides through waterways. Visit Tra Que vegetable village to see organic farming methods and sample fresh herbs. Stop at traditional pottery villages to watch artisans at work, and enjoy scenic routes past yellow rice fields that stretch to distant mountains.

Take a Vietnamese Cooking Class

Learn to prepare authentic Central Vietnamese cuisine through hands-on cooking classes. Start with a visit to local markets alongside your chef instructor, then return to prepare dishes like cao lau, banh xeo (savory crepes), and fresh spring rolls. You’ll take recipes home to recreate these flavors. Morning classes help you avoid afternoon heat. Check out our Cooking Tour in Hoi An for a memorable culinary experience!

Day Trip to My Son Sanctuary

Just 45 minutes from Hoi An lies My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Cham temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage site. March’s cooler temperatures make exploring these ruins far more comfortable than summer heat. Hindu temples dating back to the 4th century showcase impressive architecture and intricate carvings. Visit early morning between 7-9 AM for the best experience, and consider combining this with countryside cycling. This excursion is included in our Vietnam Cultural Highlights 14 Days tour.

What to Wear in Hoi An in March

Pack light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen to stay comfortable in warm daytime temperatures. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating Ancient Town’s cobblestone streets. Bring a light jacket for cooler evening breezes, especially if attending outdoor performances. Sun protection is crucial: pack a hat, sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen.

Include modest clothing for temple visits, covering shoulders and knees respectfully. Don’t forget swimwear for beach days and a compact rain jacket or small umbrella for occasional showers. Important packing tip: bring an extra bag for all the custom-made clothes you’ll order from Hoi An tailors!

Practical Tips for Visiting Hoi An in March