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The Best Trips in March to May

SOPHIE
Sumba, Indonesia / Komodo National Park, Indonesia / Khao Sok, Thailand / Mt Rinjani, Indonesia .... AND MORE!
Editor’s Note
If you're looking for ideas on where to go in March-May, here are our faves! In some spots, it’s the start of the dry season - which means better wildlife sightings and better hiking. In others, it’s just before the summer rush, so you get to see the same sights without the crowds.
01
Sumba, Indonesia
02
Komodo National Park, Indonesia
03
Khao Sok, Thailand
04
Mt Rinjani, Indonesia
05
Halong Bay, Vietnam
06
Mt Bromo, Indonesia
07
Mt Ijen, Indonesia
08
Sapa, Vietnam
09
Mt Kinabalu, Malaysia
10
Da Nang, Vietnam
11
Toraja, Indonesia

April and May are the best months to see Sumba before peak season. The rains have mostly cleared, so waterfalls are flowing and it's the best time to catch the dancing trees.

It’s still quiet and raw, with tribal culture, wild horses on the beach, and seriously epic views. It feels like a last frontier.

Come for a one week east-to-west road trip to see all the highlights!

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West Sumba is for the tribal culture, plus seriously glam stays. And East Sumba is for the untouched nature and dancing trees. Do a East-West road trip!
Indonesia's last frontier, with wild horses & ancient tribal culture.
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Wild horses roam the beaches
Seriously gorgeous landscapes
Ancient tribal culture
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Komodo is wild, raw, and hands-down one of our fave places. March to May is a sweet spot. It’s just after the rains and before the summer rush, so the islands are greener and there are fewer boats out. You might still want to skip March as the seas can be choppy, but April and May are great for sailing trips, snorkelling with mantas and spotting Komodo dragons.

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You can do Komodo National Park by going for a day trip, or a liveaboard boat (2-4 nights). We'd recommend a liveaboard as you really get to soak in the magic.
Real-life dragons and pink beaches. Wildest place in Indonesia.
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Only place to see Komodo dragons
Snorkel with mantas & turtles
Pink beaches & wild landscapes
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This is after high season, and the best time to visit Khao Sok before the rains come.

It’s the end of the dry season, so it’s easier to get around and wildlife comes out to the lakes to drink – so you get a higher chance to spot elephants!

Some water activities like tubing may be closed, but it’s worth it for the peace and the chance to spot wild elephants.

Thailand’s oldest rainforest, with wild elephants.
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Oldest rainforest on earth
Boat safari to see wild elephants
Jungle bamboo cooking, caves
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Mt Rinjani closes each year for rainy season and reopens on March 1st. It might still be a little wet, but it’s quieter and more peaceful than the busy July–August window. You’ll get sweeping crater lake views and a real adventure with fewer crowds.

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The Torean route is the most beautiful and unknown. We'd highly recommend for intermediate hikers, and anyone who wants the best views of Rinjani!
One of Asia's most beautiful and challenging climbs.
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Indonesia’s most beautiful climb
Summit sunrise over crater lake
Gorgeous Jurassic Park views
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March to May is one of the best times to see Halong Bay. It's right after winter so this means calmer waters, fewer crowds, and better weather (if you don't love the heat!). You’ll still need a light jacket as it's quite cool (18-23 degrees), but the skies are clearer and you can avoid the boat traffic of peak season. If you want a quieter cruise, this is the time to go.

Vietnam’s most popular views, but quieter this time of year.
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Vietnam's most iconic views
Stay on seriously luxe cruises
Kayak, caves, floating villages
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The weather’s clear and dry in this period, so it’s one of the best times to catch a sunrise over Bromo’s surreal crater landscape.

You’ll head out in the dark in a jeep, walk 30 mins to the crater rim, and catch that iconic shot as the morning mist rises. No hike needed!

You can do Bromo in a weekend, or extend the trip to a week to see Indonesia's most epic waterfalls.

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If you are up for more of an adventure, extend your trip to a week to see East Java's highlights! See epic Tumpak Sewu waterfalls & Ijen's blue flame volcano.
Surreal Dune-like landscapes. Easiest hike in Asia with epic views.
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Asia’s easiest volcano
Surreal dune-like crater views
Jeep in a sea of black sand
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March to May is a great time to hike Ijen. The heavy rains are mostly over, and it’s still quiet before the summer & Raya crowds hit. You can catch the famous blue fire if you're lucky, but even if you don’t, the turquoise lake at sunrise is gorgeous.

You can also hike with an ex-miner, which makes the experience extra meaningful. Just avoid weekends & Raya when it gets busy.

Electric blue flame volcano, with the world's largest acidic lake.
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See rare blue flames at night
Gorgeous turquoise crater lake
Support ex-sulphur miners
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March to May is a peaceful time in Sapa. The weather warms, terraces start turning green, and it’s quiet before the crowds.

If you come here, don’t just stay in Sapa town and do day trips. The heart of Sapa is in the village homestays. Hike with a social enterprise, stay with a local family - that’s when you really experience the heart and soul of Sapa.

Lush rice terrace views & heartfelt hill tribe culture.
COOL THINGS HERE:
Hike beautiful rice paddies
Learn about hill tribe culture
Support a social enterprise
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Kinabalu’s one of our fave climbs - the varied landscape keeps it interesting, and it’s beginner-friendly too.

March to May is one of the best times to go as the rains have stopped and the crowds haven’t arrived. During this time, you’ll see more pitcher plants and lush greenery.

Logistically, it’s also easier to get a climbing permit during this quieter season!

SEA's tallest peak, and a seriously beautiful climb.
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SEA’s tallest mountain
Moonscape views at the summit
Gorgeous UNESCO park
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People know Da Nang for its overcrowded hand bridge & beaches. But there's a lot more to it for wildlife & nature lovers!

Our favourite spot is Monkey Mountain where you can go with an expert naturalist to spot the rare Red-shanked Douc Langur and other wildlife. It's like Vietnam's real-life Jungle Book!

There's also hidden caves, and gorgeous natural landscapes here.

Vietnam’s jungle-cloaked mountains & surprising wildlife
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Spot the rare red-shanked langur
See hidden caves
Paragliding, cooking & surfing
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Toraja will change how you see life and death. Here, death isn’t morbid, it’s tender. The dead are kept close, and funerals are celebrations. You’ll see boat-shaped houses in the clouds, buffalo parades, and ancient rites that challenge everything we think we know.

March to May is perfect - just after rainy season and before peak season. The paddies will be lush & beautiful.

Toraja will change how you see life, death, and what matters.
COOL THINGS HERE:
Rituals that reframe life & death
Boat-shaped homes in the clouds
Trek misty valleys and rice hills
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NEED MORE INSPO?
back to all lists
01
Sumba, Indonesia
02
Komodo National Park, Indonesia
03
Khao Sok, Thailand
04
Mt Rinjani, Indonesia
05
Halong Bay, Vietnam
06
Mt Bromo, Indonesia
07
Mt Ijen, Indonesia
08
Sapa, Vietnam
09
Mt Kinabalu, Malaysia
10
Da Nang, Vietnam
11
Toraja, Indonesia
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