Top 3 Best Asian Winter Sun Destinations in March

If you’re looking for the best Asian winter sun destinations in March, you’ve come to the right place. These are the results from our survey where we asked our visitors for the top 3 best Asian winter sun destinations in March.

The top 3 best Asian winter sun destinations in March include Colombo, Sri Lanka, Phuket, Thailand, and Pokhara, Nepal. Sri Lanka welcomes visitors with gorgeous weather in March, and those looking for an extended Asian vacation will enjoy Thailand and Nepal.

Top 3 Asian Winter Sun Destinations in March

To learn more about which destination you should visit, keep reading!

#1. Colombo, Sri Lanka

March is the best time to visit Sri Lanka, an island country located in the Indian Ocean and bordering India to the northwest and Maldives to the southwest. The region is typically dry and sunny, with average temperatures around 30°C (86°F).

But apart from the lovely weather, you will be spoilt for choice regarding the local attractions. A fascinating cultural scene, ancient sites, palm-fringed beaches, mouthwatering culinary delights, wildlife, and relaxing tea plantations are some of the top offerings. And the best part? You get all this at an incredibly affordable price.

Why Should You Stay in Colombo in March?

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka. The vibrant city is strategically located on the country's west coast and boasts a natural harbor patronized by traders since ancient times. Today, it is characterized by an eclectic blend of modernity, colonial-era architecture, and diverse religions and cultures, lending the city a romantic and enchanting aura.

In March, temperatures range between lows of 25°C and highs of 32°C (77- 89.6 °F).

Traveling to Colombo constitutes an epic journey of discovery. You get to indulge in thrilling adventures, view charming seaside landscapes, and soak in a rich cultural heritage marked by ancient ruins and magnificent temples. The people are warm and hospitable, making you feel welcome. Meanwhile, accommodation options cater to all tastes and budgets.

Accessing Colombo

Colombo Airport in Negombo is where you land from your location in North America or Europe. A vibrant public transport system helps ease movement around the seaside city. You can use the train, bus, tuk-tuk, taxi, or hire a car. Domestic flights connecting Colombo and other Island locations are also available.

What to See in Colombo in March

Get ready for a splendid winter escape as the city is alive with a host of things to see, including:

The Cultural Triangle: A visit here offers a unique peek into Sri Lanka's ancient past. Itfeatures UNESCO sites like Sigiriya's historic rock fortress, Dambulla's cave temple complex, and Anuradhapura, a historical city.
Kandy tea plantations: Sri Lanka is among the biggest tea producers globally. Venture outside the city, learn about tea picking and processing and indulge in some tea tasting in Kandy. You'll enjoy the scenic drive into the hillsides. While here, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic at Kandy, another UNESCO-protected site featuring a Buddhist relic.
Gangaramaya Temple: This 19th-century temple doubles as a national museum. It contains art pieces, local crafts, and an exciting fusion of contemporary architecture and cultural elements.
Pettah market: Explore diverse wares, including colorful silks, fragrant spices, fruits, and fresh vegetables. This is also an excellent opportunity to try out tasty street food.
Ancient sites: Visit the Colombo Fort, then head out to see examples of Dutch Colonial-style architecture; the Dutch Reformed Church, the Dutch Period Museum, and the Old Dutch Hospital. The latter has become a modern shopping and dining spot.
Temples and kovils: These dot the city and include the majestic Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple and the Kathiresan Kovil, which holds the yearly chariot festival.

Activities in Colombo

Colombo offers many interesting activities, such as:

Colombo city tour: Spend a leisurely afternoon sightseeing. Attractions include the Colombo National Museum, the Red Mosque, Viharamahadevi Park, Fort Station, and the Khan clock tower. You also get to enjoy breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.
Wildlife Safari: Take a walk on the wild side and head south to Udalawe National Park to view elephants and the Yala wildlife reserve for leopards, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. To access Yala, join a guided tour or hire a vehicle.
Cycling tour: A tour of Hiriwadunna gives you a feel of Sri Lanka's rural life.
Water activities: Choose from the broad array of exciting water-based activities. For instance, Negombo Beach offers scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing, and fishing.
Culinary experiences: Savour local delicacies, including must-tries like Indonesian rice, panko, deep-fried cuttlefish, kottu roti (a scrumptious mix of flatbread, eggs, vegetables, and meat), and Sri Lankan coffee.
Horton Plains: Hikers will enjoy visiting this UNESCO Site for its gentle hikes and wildlife spotting.
Beach hopping: Explore the splendid beaches for leisurely strolls as you dig your feet into the inviting soft sands. You can also listen to live bands, visit souvenir shops, and dine at restaurants with the freshest seafood. Best spots include Bentota Beach for water adventures, Kalpitiya Beach – spot whales and dolphins cavorting in the crystal clear waters, and the stunning, less crowded Unawatuna Beach for sea turtles.
Galle: Plan to explore this enchanting colonial city, a mere 2-hour drive from Colombo. Witness remnants of Dutch, Portuguese, and British architecture and Fort Galle Fort, Asia's largest fortress and a UNESCO Heritage Site. Wander through the fort's maze of cobbled lanes, view cultural sites within, catch an amazing sunset, and take a photo of the iconic lighthouse. You could also take a bike tour around the city.

Are You Safe in Colombo?

Sri Lanka is safe for visitors. Yet, like any other tourist destination, you must take precautionary measures to ensure your safety and keep your belongings within sight.

There have been issues of civil unrest, but the government is now firmly in control. Still, avoid areas with public demonstrations. The country is also prone to natural disasters, so monitor local weather alerts.

In matters health, Sri Lanka provides its citizens with free primary healthcare while tourists can access affordable private hospitals. These possess well-trained, English-speaking doctors and offer advanced healthcare. Nevertheless, buy comprehensive travel insurance before traveling, take a Tetanus booster, and consider getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A/B and Typhoid.

#2. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is located south of Thailand. It enjoys a tropical climate and is the country's largest Island. The city boasts a rich cultural history, upscale resorts and restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking beaches.

March is quite hot. Expect daily temperatures to soar to a maximum of 32°C (90°F) and lows of around 25°C (77°F). Fortunately, sunny days and calm sea conditions mean snowbirds can spend a great deal of time relaxing on Phuket's pristine beaches.

What to See and Do in Phuket Over Winter

You will encounter fewer visitors in March as Thailand's high season ends around this time.

Top attractions include:

Phuket Old Town: On a walking tour, discover the town's unique culture, history, and colorful Chinese-Portuguese architecture. Lining the ancient streets are Taoist temples, shrines, street art, and well-preserved shops. Plus, you get to explore Thai food, shop at the market, and even enjoy a Thai massage.
Beach hopping: Phuket beaches boast fine white sands. An island-hopping cruise will take you to Patong, Panwa, Kata, and Karon Beach, all offering an array of water-based activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Don’t bypass Phang Nga Bay, a magical place with lagoons and caves with eye-catching stalagmites and stalactites.
Weekend and night markets: For shopaholics, these markets are ideal for buying souvenirs and taking a foray into the local culture with a chance to enjoy flavorful local delicacies.
Botanic Gardens: These hold a collection of diverse plants from global locations and 30+ climate zones.
Temple visits. Visit Wat Chalong, an ancient temple, to learn about Buddha's story told through multiple golden buddhas within the temple walls. Other picks are Phuket Big Buddha Temple, quaint Kathu Temples, Chalong, and Wat Suwan Khuha Temple.
Tour outlying islands: Explore the stunning surrounding islands aboard a boat. There's Nakha Yai and Nakha Noi to the east and Koh Kaeo Yai to the south.

# 3 Pokhara, Nepal

Snowbirds on a quest for a tranquil yet adventurous winter escape should visit Pokhara. This fascinating destination is replete with awe-inspiring natural landscapes, including mountain backdrops and pristine lakes, temples, and stupas. Little wonder it is nicknamed "The City of Lakes and Ponds."

Pokhara is generally hot. Expect warm days – around 27°C (81°F), cool nights -13°C (55°F), and occasional showers.

What to See and Do in Pokhara Over Winter

Attractions here include:

Museum visits. Explore International Mountain Museum, Natural History Museum, and Gurkha Museum. Gurkha is dedicated to Gurkha soldiers, while Mountain Museum offers detailed info on mountaineering history.
World Peace Pagoda: Built after WW2 to encourage world peace, the pagoda (Shanti Stupa) offers stunning views of Pokhara City, Lake Phewa, and the Annapurna mountain ranges.
Temple tours: Learn about Pokhara's cultural roots by visiting sacred temples like Tal Barahi, Bhadrakali, and the white Bindyabasini Temple. The latter also provides incredible views of the Himalayas while a Buddhist monastery stands near Bhadrakali Temple, depicting religious harmony.
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: A Hindu pilgrimage site that also attracts adventure seekers to trek through the mysterious cave. Above it lies Davi's Falls with a curious waterfall. There's also Mahendra, another popular cave.
Trekking: Depending on your fitness level, there's the Annapurna circuit, entry to the famous Annapurna ranges, hiking trails bypassing villages, or you can trek to Poon Hill or the Annapurna Base camp.
Lake Pewa: A scenic lake with a pagoda-style temple smack in the middle. Surrounding the lake is lush greenery and snow-capped mountains.
Water sports: Enjoy swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and boating in serene waters.

How this Top 3 list was made

The top 3 list was derived from a survey where we asked about their top destination for a particular month and region. From these results, we made each month a top 3 for North America, the Caribbean, Middle/South America, Europe, and Asia (including the Middle East). Sometimes, we have combined several individual destinations from a single country into the country itself.