Where to travel in March

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March is the start of spring in North Asia. Cherry blossoms usually open in southern and central Japan in the last week of March, and Singapore's March school holidays make this a busy month for family trips.

1. Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka)

Cherry blossoms usually open in the last week of March in Tokyo and Kyoto. Forecasts are published from late winter and shift year to year.

Key sights

• Fushimi Inari Taisha: Thousands of orange torii gates winding up Mount Inari in Kyoto.
• Philosopher's Path: Canal-side walk under cherry trees between Kyoto temples.
• Tokyo cherry spots: Chidorigafuchi moat and Ueno Park at full bloom.
• Osaka Castle Park: Thousands of cherry trees around the castle walls.

→ See the suggested day-by-day itinerary

Tip: Book refundable rooms early and fine-tune your dates once the bloom forecast is out.

2. Yunnan, China

Spring flowers, dry weather and clear views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from Lijiang.

Key sights

• Stone Forest: Maze of grey limestone pillars near Kunming.
• Shaxi: Quiet old market town on the ancient Tea Horse Road.
• Erhai Lake: Cycle past Bai villages with the Cangshan range behind.

→ See the suggested day-by-day itinerary

3. Taiwan

Comfortable temperatures for hiking Taroko Gorge and Alishan before the summer heat.

Key sights

• Alishan: Cherry blossoms, old forest railway and sunrise over a sea of clouds.
• Sun Moon Lake: Cycle or take the boat around Taiwan's largest lake.
• Cingjing Farm: Mountain meadows and sheep at about 1,750 m.

→ See the suggested day-by-day itinerary

4. Hong Kong

Mild and before the humid summer: good for hikes like the Dragon's Back and outlying islands.

Key sights

• Victoria Peak: Ride the Peak Tram for the classic harbour view.
• Star Ferry: Cheap, short crossing of Victoria Harbour.
• Ngong Ping and the Big Buddha: Cable car over Lantau Island to the giant bronze Buddha.
• Dragon's Back: Easy ridge hike with sea views, ending at a beach.

→ See the suggested day-by-day itinerary

5. Krabi, Thailand

Still dry on the Andaman coast, with hotter days and slightly lower prices than January.

Key sights

• Railay: Limestone cliffs, climbing and calm beaches.
• Four Islands tour: Snorkelling at Koh Poda, Chicken Island and Tup Island sandbar.
• Tiger Cave Temple: 1,260 steps to a hilltop shrine with sweeping views.

Weather to plan around

Northern Thailand and Laos can be hazy from seasonal burning from March to April, which affects views and air quality.

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