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Bangladesh is south Asia's greenest jewel – a country braided with rivers, with a rich culture waiting to be explored by pioneering travellers.

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Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Kantanagar Temple

Rajshahi & Rangpur

Set amidst gorgeous countryside, the vault-roofed rouge sandcastle of Kantanagar Temple, also known locally as Kantaji, is a stunning piece of religious…

Somapuri Vihara

The hulking 20m-high remains of a 1300-year-old red-brick stupa form the central attraction of the vast monastery complex at Somapuri Vihara. Shaped like…

Shait Gumbad Mosque

Built in 1459 (the same year Khan Jahan Ali died), the famous Shait Gumbad Mosque is the largest and most magnificent traditional mosque in the country…

Varendra Research Museum

This gem of a museum is tucked away in an unassuming building on a quiet street, but can easily take up half a day of your time. Founded in 1910 with the…

Natore Rajbari

One of the oldest rajbaris in Bangladesh (dating from the early 1700s), the magnificent but dilapidated Natore Rajbari was once the nerve-centre of…

Lowacherra National Park

Srimangal & Around

This wonderful patch of tropical semi-evergreen forest, around 8km east of Srimangal, provides some lovely forest walks and also your best chance of…

Tajhat Palace

The flamboyant and delightfully maintained Tajhat Palace is arguably one of the finest rajbaris in Bangladesh. The palace was constructed in the 19th…

Khania Dighi Mosque

About 750m beyond the turn-off for Darasbari Mosque, turn right at the bus stand and keep walking for around 250m until you see a sign directing you off…

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Feb 2, 2020 • 2 min read

A new online collection illustrates the threats presented to five heritage sites.

Mar 12, 2019 • 5 min read

Dec 22, 2017 • 4 min read

Dec 7, 2017 • 5 min read

Apr 1, 2013 • 5 min read

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Jan 27, 2011 • 4 min read

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Places to Visit in Bangladesh

• Places To Visit

Tourist Places In Bangladesh

Here is the list of best places to visit in bangladesh:.

Rajshahi is a vibrant city located on the Padma River's plains bounded on the north, west, and east by Paba Upazila. It is situated near the Bangladesh-India border and is surrounded by the towns of Kathakali and Nowhata.  Rajshahi captivates travelers through its world-class architecture, cultural institutions, and narrow cobblestone streets. It overflows with storybook charm due to its colorful buildings, lush green spaces, picturesque gardens, and turreted castles.  If you're hunting for the best places to see in Rajshahi, you can visit the Varendra Research Museum, a storehouse of artifacts and architectural exhibits. You can also visit Hardinge Bridge constructed on the Padma river and take a fascinating tour of Paharpur Buddhist Bihar. If you're a spiritual enthusiast, you can also visit Puthia Temple Complex, which is a large Annik temple. No trip is complete without trying out some of the best activities that guarantee unlimited thrill and excitement to the visitors. You can seek enlightenment at Choto Sona Mosque and peek into the city's rich history at Mahasthangarh Museum. Rajshahi is the coldest region in Bangladesh, with an average high temperature of 30 degrees centigrade. The best time for traveling to this city is from October to March as the weather remains pleasant.

Sylhet is a beautiful city in Bangladesh located on the bank of the River Surma in northeastern Bengal. It is the district-headquarters and the divisional headquarters of Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, and Sylhet District. The postcard-perfect city has all the makings of an idyllic fairy tale world: a scenic harbor, sweeping views of the surrounding mountain group, and colorful rows of wooden houses. With its peaceful, tree-lined parks and cobblestone streets, it's not hard to see Sylhet as one of the most beautiful fairytale settings come to life. Sylhet is home to some of the most iconic sites you should definitely include in your bucket list. You can visit Manipuri Rajbari, a significant piece of Sylhet's architecture, and take a tour of Hakaluki Haor, a marsh wetland ecosystem with a wide range of biodiversity. If you're looking for endless fun and excitement, you can visit Dreamland Park that offers some of the best rides.  Some of the best activities that you must try in Sylhet are enjoying a boat ride, shopping at the local stores, and sampling the lip-smacking cuisines. You can enjoy camping on the riverbank, explore Crusader Shah Syed Nasir Uddin's shrine, and take a trip to the Ratargul Swamp Forest.  The weather in Sylhet is generally temperate and warm, with a good amount of rainfall. The average annual temperature ranges around 23.6 °C, and annual rainfall is 198.7 inches.

Dhaka is the largest city in South East Asia, situated on the northern side of the Buriganga River. It is situated in central Bangladesh on the lower reaches of the Delta Ganges.  Dhaka is Bangladesh's megacity with swathes of green spaces, beautiful museums, and storied red-brick facades. Here, glossy high-rises are beautifully juxtaposed against thousands-year-old mosques, giving the city a charismatic appeal you won't find anywhere else.  There are many popular attractions in Dhaka that will leave you spoilt for choices during your tour. You can visit the Ahsan Manzil museum to have a glimpse of the Mughal lifestyle and head to Lalbagh Kella that is renowned for its architectural beauty. Dhakeshwari Mandir, The Khan Muhammad Mirza Mosque, and Baitul Mukarram are the most famous spiritual attractions of the city.  Some of the best things to do in Dhaka for an ultimate experience are enjoying a boat ride to Buriganga, strolling around Gulshan Lake Park, and enjoying fun rides at Nandan Park. You can also learn about the rich history and culture of Dhaka by visiting the Bangladesh National Museum. Dhaka experiences a tropical wet, and humid climate with a distinct monsoonal season.  The temperature mostly varies from 93°F to 57°F and is rarely above 98°F or below 52°F.

Khulna is the third-largest city in Bangladesh, located in the central part of the country. It lies on the bank of the Rupsha river and is served by Port of Mongla which is the second-largest seaport in the country. Khulna remains a popular draw for the tourists due to its lush foliage, traditional shophouses, and best skylines. It is one of the most vibrant cities in Bangladesh that has glammed up with contemporary art galleries, religious centers, and boutiques. From fantastically craggy mountain ranges to beaches, you'll be greeted by spectacular vistas over here.  There are many impressive sites in Khulna that deserve the topmost spot in your itinerary. You can visit Shait Gumbad Mosque, Ron Jaipur Mosque, and Tomb of Khan Jahan Ali to satiate your spiritual soul. To learn about this city's rich history, you can take a tour of the Bagerhat Museum.  If you're looking for some of the best things to do in Khulna, you can admire the architectural beauty of the Nine-Domed Mosque and watch how the legal proceedings are carried out at High Court Building.  You can also learn about the life of Rabindranath Tagore at Kuthibari.  Khulna experiences temperate and humid weather with a good amount of rainfall. June is the wettest month, with 368mm rainfall on average.

Best of Kathmandu

Chattogram is a financial center and a major coastal city in Southeastern Bangladesh. It is situated on the banks of the River Karnaphuli between the Bay of Bengal and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Chattogram is a wonderland for visitors looking for a digital detox from the fast-paced city life. On one side, you can see breathtaking mountain ranges overlooking the sea, and on the other is the vast ocean's tranquil water. Due to its geographical position, sea, lush greenery, and mountain, there is no other city in Bangladesh that offers similar geodiversity. If you're looking for the best places to visit during your Chattogram, you must head to Patenga Beach, where you can soak the sun and enjoy picturesque views. You should also visit Chandranath Hill & Temple, a popular pilgrimage site, and explore Rangamati, a hilly district.  Some of the best things that you can try during your Chattogram tour are enjoying a scenic walk in Sajek Valley and boating at Kaptai Lake. You can also hike up to Nilgiri Mountain and enjoy shopping at Cox's Bazar. Chattogram experiences dry and humid weather, and July is the hottest month of the year. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 15.8°C.

Best of Nepal

Other Attractions

Cox's bazar.

The Sundarbans

Lalbagh Fort

Saint Martin

Amiakhum Waterfall

Bangladesh National Parliament

Ahsan Manzil Museum

Liberation War Museum

Baitul Mukarram National Mosque

Banglar Taj Mahal

Armenian Church

National Botanical Garden Dhaka

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Bangladesh, country of south-central Asia, located in the delta of the Padma (Ganges [Ganga]) and Jamuna (Brahmaputra) rivers in the northeastern part of the Indian subcontinent. The riverine country of Bangladesh (“Land of the Bengals”) is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, and its people are predominantly Muslim.

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Barishal, is a major city that lies on the bank of Kirtankhola river in south-central Bangladesh. It is the largest city and the administrative headquarter of both the Barisal district and Barisal Division. It is one of the oldest municipalities and river ports of the country.

Chittagong officially Chattogram and known as the Port City of Bangladesh is a major coastal city and financial center in southeastern Bangladesh. It is the capital of an eponymous District and Division. The city is located on the banks of the Karnaphuli River between the Chittagong Hill Tracts and

Dhaka District is a district in central Bangladesh and is the densest district in the nation. It is a part of the Dhaka Division. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, rests on the eastern banks of the Buriganga River which flows from the Turag to the south of the district. While Dhaka (city corporation

Sylhet located in north-east Bangladesh is the divisional capital and one of the four districts in the Sylhet Division. Sylhet district was established on 3 January 1782, and until 1878 it was part of Bengal province. In that year, Sylhet was included in the newly created Assam Province, and it rema

Rangpur (Bengali: রংপুর জেলা, Rangpur Jela also Rangpur Zilla) is a district in Northern Bangladesh. It is a part of the Rangpur Division. Under the Rangpur division (one of eight divisions) composed of eight districts of northern Bangladesh, the District of Rangpur is bordered on

Mymensingh is one of the districts of Mymensingh division, Bangladesh, and is bordered on the north by the Meghalaya state of India and the Garo Hills, on the south by Gazipur District, on the east by the districts of Netrokona and Kishoreganj, and on the west by the districts of Sherpur, Jamalpur,

Khulna is the third-largest city in Bangladesh. It is the administrative seat of the Khulna District and Khulna Division. Khulna is a port on the Rupsha and Bhairab Rivers. A hub of the Bangladeshi industry, it hosts many national companies. Khulna is served by Port of Mongla (the second-largest sea

Rajshahi (nicknamed Silk City or City of Education) is a metropolitan city, and a major urban, commercial and educational centre of Bangladesh. It is also the administrative seat of eponymous division and district.Located on the north bank of the Padma River, near the Bangladesh-India border.

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Bandarban Sadar

Tea Garden's Of Srimangal

Bahadur shah park, ahsan manzil, lalbagh fort, gurdwara nanak shahi, shalbon bihar, natore rajbari.

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Mid February - Mid April

Spring is called the king of seasons. The climate at this time is very pleasant and inspires people to take morning and evening walks. At this time the sky is clear and plants sprout new leaves.

Mid August - Mid October

This is traditionally the season when housewives put out clothes, musty and damp because of the rains, to air and dry in the hot sun of Bhadra. However, the bright day is often punctuated by sudden showers.

Mid October - Mid December

Late Autumn

The contrast between the daytime and nighttime temperatures results in heavy dew. This is also the time for colds, cough and fever. In this season farmers are very busy with harvesting paddy and celebrate “Navanna” with the new rice crop.

Mid April - Mid June

The heat of the sun dries up the water bodies including the rivers, canals and the wetlands. The summer days are longer than the nights. At this time the southerly or southwesterly monsoons flow over the country

Mid June - Mid August

Rainy Season

During the rainy season, the southwest monsoon winds bring plenty of rainfall (70 to 85 percent of the annual total) and occasionally lasting for days without end without any respite. Most of the floodplains of the country remain inundated during this period.

Mid December - Mid February

Winter is the best and most enjoyable season of Bangladesh. A large variety of vegetables are available in the markets. So is fish, particularly large koi, magur, shing. Special flowers of the season are Ganda and Suryamukhi.

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The Largest Beach in the World - Coxs Bazar Sea Beach

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Sign of 800-900 AD - Paharpur Bihar / Sompur Bihar

World Cultural Heritage - Sixty dome mosque

The sign of Pala Era - Mahasthangarh

The World Largest Unit Mangrove Forest -Sundarbans

Kantaji Temple / Kantanagar Temple

Lalbagh Fort

Capital of Tea - Srimangal

Amagon Forest of Bangladesh - Ratargul

Mujibnagar Memorial and Complex

The State of Clouds - Nilgiri

The Land of Natural Beauty - Jaflong

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Golden Temple

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Ethnological Museum

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St. Martins Island

National Museum

Sitakot Bihara

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Banskhali Eko Park

Guthia Mosque

Kuakata Beach

Parikunda Fountain

Hakaluki Haor

Zainul Abedin Museum

Air Force Museum

Martyrs' Memorial

In The World Map We are Here ..............

Travel In Bangladesh: A Complete Travel Guide For Bangladesh.

• By Sarah Steiner
• Updated On April 20, 2024

Bangladeshi care and hospitality is outstanding. At the time of writing this we haven’t even left Bangladesh and already I am feeling a pang of sadness knowing we will move on soon. If you are thinking about travel in Bangladesh and wondering whether to take the leap and book that trip or not…

Book it now.

Travel in Bangladesh is unique.  It’s not easy nor a mainstream destination to travel.  But if getting off the beaten track is the kind of travel you like, that is exactly what makes Bangladesh so special. 

Here is our complete travel guide for Bangladesh including all of the details of where we stayed in each city, how to get around Bangladesh, how to (and whether to) travel in Bangladesh with kids and a whole bunch of other tips to make your Bangladesh adventure as smooth as possible… 

• About Bangladesh
• Need-to-know history
• Best time to visit
• Visas  
• Money and ATM’s
• Our itinerary in Bangladesh
• Places to see – Dhaka – Barisal – Bagerhat – Mongla – Sreemangal – Sylhet – Cox’s Bazar – Chittagong – Ekduaria Village
• Travel in Bangladesh with kids
• Health and safety
• What to wear  
• Transportation

Connectivity and WIFI

• SIM cards  
• Accommodation options
• Where we stayed
• Tour or independent travel?

About Bangladesh; first just quickly

• Full name:  People’s Republic of Bangladesh
• Capital:  Dhaka
• Language:  Bengali (Bangla) 
• Main Religion:  Islam
• Currency:  Bangladeshi Taka (code: BDT; symbol: Tk)
• Population:  167,000,000
• Time Zone:  National Standard Time (UTC+6)
• Calling Code:  +880
• Drives On:  Left
• Credit Cards:  Visa/MC/AmEx accepted
• Emergency Number:  Ambulance/Police 999
• Outlets:   Plug Type C, D, G and K (220 V / 50 Hz)

And a little bit of history about Bangladesh 

On our first day out in Dhaka we learnt some very interesting history about Bangladesh.  

Our guide told us that his grandfather was born in India; his father was born in Pakistan; and he was born in Bangladesh.  But they were all born  in the same village …

Until 1947, Bangladesh was part of India.  The region that is now marked out as the country of Bangladesh was known as ‘East Bengal’. 

In 1947 India gained independence from British colonial rule and the sub-continent was partitioned into India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.  The partition led to the largest migration crisis in history with over 14 million people becoming refugees.  Many Hindu families moved from Pakistan to India and Muslims from India to Pakistan. 

Bangladesh was known at this time as ‘East Pakistan’ and was governed from Islamabad (in ‘West Pakistan’) – something that was unpopular with many Bangladeshis and ultimately spurred the struggle for Bengali rights. 

In 1971 Bangladesh (with the support of India) fought Pakistan for independence in what was known as the Bangladesh Liberation War and became the independent country that is Bangladesh today. 

Best time to visit Bangladesh

The best time visit Bangladesh is during the ‘cool season’ (effectively considered winter in Bangladesh) from November to February.  Days are warm averaging a comfortable 25°C and nights are cooler. 

From March onwards the days get rapidly hotter and monsoon generally arrives sometime in June.  

But hey; we ignored the suggested best time to visit Bangladesh and travelled for a month during May with a few (welcomed) afternoon rain showers and otherwise great (hot) weather. 

Bangladesh requires all foreigners to obtain permission, specifically a visa, to enter its territory unless exempted.  Visas for Bangladesh are issued by Bangladesh diplomatic missions located throughout the world.  Or, if application, on arrival in Bangladesh.

The following countries are specifically listed as countries whose citizens may obtain Bangladesh visa on arrival for the purpose of tourism:

• All European Union member states, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, China, Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Oman Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States. 

In addition, citizens of the following countries are known to require a visa:

• Algeria, Belize, Brazil, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Macao, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen.  

The Visa On Arrival fee must be paid only in cash in US dollars or Euros when entering Bangladesh.   And the cost per person is $51 USD or €51 EUR, with all taxes included. 

Standard tourism visas (and VOAs) are single-entry for 30 days.   

However it can be extended for an additional 30 days. Applicants can apply for the extension of the Visa On Arrival up to a week before visa expiry but not sooner. Visa extensions are available at the Department of Immigration and Passports located in Shere-E-Bangla Nagar, West Agargaon, Dhaka City.

• Check: Definitely do your research and make sure you confirm your visa eligibility for travel to Bangladesh with plenty of time before you fly.  

Currency and cash in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) is the currency of Bangladesh.  

There are banknotes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 BDT (although 2 and 5 taka notes are rare).   

At the time we travelled (May 2022) these are the exchange rates for Bangladesh:

• 100 BDT = 1.16 USD
• 1000 BDT = 11.59 USD
• 10000 BDT = 115.88 USD

ATM’s and money

All ATMs we tried offer an English menu.  And more than that, in the big cities they also offer a few minutes of peace (and air conditioning) inside away from the bustle and chaos… 

These bank ATM’s accept international cards: 

• AB Bank Limited
• Dutch-Bangla Bank
• Premiere Bank 
• One Bank 

And note the ATM’s were not working at the arrivals hall of the airport when we landed in Dhaka.  (None of them!).  We exchanged some USD to purchase a SIM card and found an ATM close to our hotel the next day. 

Language for travel in Bangladesh

Bengali (or Bangla )  is the official language in Bangladesh and is the 8 th  most-spoken language in the world.

Globally there are over 230,000,000 speakers of Bengali.  

English is not widely spoken in Bangladesh.  And even train and ticket numbers are commonly written in Bangla.  Outside of the cities it can be tricky to find someone to translate.  But those who can speak English (even if it’s patchy) always come forward to help. 

Bangladeshis are hospitable and will try their best to help regardless of barriers to verbally communicate.  

The most common greeting you will hear is the traditional Islamic greeting ‘ Asalaam Aleikum’ .  Hindus use the Bengali greeting ‘Nomoshkar’.  And admittedly it can be tricky to distinguish religion at first glance (not all Muslim women cover their hair, and some Hindu women do). But play it safe with a smile and you will be happily received.  

Useful Bangla words to learn

• Hello:  Assalamu alaikum/Nomoshkar
• How are you?  Kemon achen? Kemon acho? 
• I am well:  Ami bhalo achi 
• What is your name?  Apnar naam kee? 
• Which country?  Kona desa ( desh )
• Thank you:  Dhonnobad
• Thanks a lot:  Onek dhonnobad
• Yes:  Hae
• No:  Na
• Water:  Pani
• Good morning:  Shubho shokal
• Goodbye:  Khuda hafez / Allah hafez 

The phrase you will get most used to hearing is ‘ Kona desh?’.    Which country?   ‘Desh’ means land/country (as in, Bangla desh ).  And trust me; you will quickly begin to pick up on people asking you that…

Once you tune in you will hear that phrase  more than any other Bangla words around you.   (Tourists are not common – not in the city; not anywhere really – and everyone wants to know where you are from).

Men commonly shake hands and further respect is expressed with a hand over heart.  [Note though that women and men rarely shake hands with one another so don’t extend a handshake first as a traveling female]. 

And a further note without regard to the upcoming challenge of language barriers…  More so be prepared and ready for the stares/ staring /stares and selfie requests… 

Our itinerary for travel in Bangladesh

Contemplating an itinerary for travel in Bangladesh is like opening a can of worms.  The direction you can take in this country are endless.  But the tricky thing is that many routes around Bangladesh end up stopping back in at Dhaka.  (I told you Dhaka is ceremoniously like the beating heart of this incredible country). 

Here’s our slightly jumbled but brilliant itinerary for Bangladesh. 

• Dhaka  > launch >  Barisal 
• Barisal  > minivan  >  Mongla
• Mongla  > minivan  >  Morrelgonj
• Morrelgonj  > launch >  Dhaka
• Dhaka  > train >  Sreemangal
• Sreemangal  > train >  Sylhet
• Sylhet  > flight >  Cox Bazaar
• Cox Bazaar  > bus >  Chittagong
• Chittagong  > train >  Dhaka 
• Dhaka  > minivan >  Ekduaria
• Ekduaria  > minivan >  Dhaka 

Where to go in Bangladesh (the places we reckon you  need  to see) 

Now for the most important part of this travel guide for Bangladesh.  

This is the best part. 

Geographically Bangladesh is a large country and distances between cities are great.  We spent one month travelling in Bangladesh and the following are the highlights that we found (and would recommend you see too). 

Dhaka (the capital city)

Dhaka is the beating heart of Bangladesh.  It is as if the waterways of Bangladesh stem out from Dhaka like the veins taking life to the far reaches of the country…

And I’m not going to lie. 

Dhaka is not for the faint hearted. 

But it is incredible. 

Our itinerary around Bangladesh with kids saw us stop and stay  four times in Dhaka .  (I told you it was jumbled!).  But we used the bustling capital city as our base to explore different directions of the country…

Things to do in Dhaka

• Visit Old Dhaka:  The heart of the city and what was once was the 17 th  century Mughal capital of Bengal.
• Go shopping at New Market:  The place I recommend to purchase a salwar kameez/panjabi to wear.
• Lalbagh Fort:  A beautiful and historic (unfinished) fort from the Mughal era. 
• Ashan Manzil:  Designated as a national museum and known as the Pink Palace this was once the residence of the Nawabs of Dhaka. 
• Shadeed Minar:  Martyr’s Monument built to honour those who lost their lives in 1952 during the Bengali Language Movement. 
• Tara Masjid Mosque:  Small but beautiful mosque renowned for the striking blue stars made of mosaic. 
• See the Armenian Church:  Built by the Armenian community that was present in Bangladesh in the 1700s and 1800s(!).  

Transportation from Dhaka

• Train to Sreemangal: 6 hours
• Train to Khulna: 9 hours
• Train to Chittagong: 8 hours
• Bus to Sreemangal: 6 hours
• Bus to Chittagong: 10 hours
• Launch ferry to Barisal: Overnight 

Sreemangal – Travel in Bangladesh

A small(er) town north of Dhaka that is easy to reach by train from the city.  The highlight of Sreemangal is definitely the renowned 7 and 8-layered tea…

Things to do in Sreemangal

• Drink layered tea:  A must-do in Sreemangal.  Get a rickshaw to the nearby Adi Nilkantha Tea Cabin and meet Mr. Gour who invented this colorful layered style of tea. 
• Visit a school:  It’s easier to meet people in a smaller town and Sreemangal has plenty of schools (that will likely invite you in as you walk past).  
• Dine at the London Restaurant:  We determined this another icon of Sreemangal and enjoyed tandoori chicken, naan and salad at this busy restaurant. 

Sylhet 

This city and the surrounding division is famous for TEA.  Over 90% of Bangladesh’s tea is produced in Sylhet.  

Sylhet city is 250km northeast of Dhaka and is the north-eastern division in Bangladesh.  (And interestingly when looking at it on a map it is almost entirely surrounded by India with border on the north, south and east of Sylhet division).  

Things to do in Sylhet

• Tea plantations:  This is what Sylhet is famous for. Hire a driver and head just out of the city to Malnicherra Tea Estate.
• Ali Amjad’s Clock Tower:  If you arrive by train you might catch a glimpse of this iconic clock as you cross the river from the station.  
• Hazarat Shahjalal Mazar Sharif:  Beautiful shrine attracting thousands of people from different parts of the country, irrespective of religion and caste, every day.
• Keane Bridge:  Built in 1936 this bridge is called the gateway to Sylhet city.  

Transportation from Sylhet

• Train to Dhaka: 7 hours
• Train to Sreemangal: 2.5 hours
• Flight to Dhaka: 35 mins 
• Bus to Dhaka: 8+ hours

Barisal is one of the major rice production centres of Bangladesh known for the production of Balam rice (and for its fish export – one of the main sights to see is the fish market).  But Barisal is also well known now for it’s unique floating vegetable and timber markets…

Things to do in Barisal

• Fish market:  This is a bustling highlight of Barisal and not to be missed (if you don’t mind the bustle and/or the fish market smell!). 
• Floating vegetable market:  As far as tourism-draws in Bangladesh this is a big one and a beautiful morning out seeing an entirely different way of living. 
• Floating timber market:  Not far from Baitha Katha vegetable markets and stretches for kilometres. 
• Korapur Miah Bari Mosque:  Three-domed mosque thought to have been built in the late 18 th  century. 

Transportation from Barisal

• Launch ferry to Dhaka: Overnight
• Taxi to Bagerhat: 3 hours
• Taxi to Mongla: 4 hours
• Bus to Khulna: 5-6 hours 

Khulna and Bargerhat

The city of Khulna on the west of Bangladesh is essentially a gateway city to the Sundarbans and the small mosque-filled city of Bagerhat.  

Things to do in Khulna

• Take a ferry over the river:  Like most of Bangladesh seeing the cities by river adds a different perspective (and is a cheap alternative).
• Visit the UNESCO 60-Domed Mosque:  The largest mosque in Bangladesh remaining from the sultanate period. 
• See the mausoleum of Khan Jahan Ali:  An interesting smaller site with a significant religious influence in Bangladeshi history.   

Transportation from Bagerhat

• Taxi to Barisal: 3 hours
• Bus to Khulna: 1 hour
• Taxi to Mongla: 1.5 hours

Transportation from Khulna

• Bus to Bagerhat: 1 hour
• Train to Dhaka: 9 hours 
• Bus to Dhaka: 7 hours
• Bus to Mongla: 2 hours

Mongla and Sundarbans

Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest that spans Bangladesh and the south of West Bengal in India. 

Things to do in Mongla

• Sundarbans river cruise:  Take a boat up the rivers and canals of the largest mangrove forest in the world.   
• Harbaria Eco Park:  Walk the boardwalk through the mangroves and feed deer at the animal conservation and breeding centre on the main island.  
• Mongla village day tour:  Another highlight of Mongla was the chance to see smaller villages within the district (and especially by 3-wheel electric rickshaw). 

Cox’s Bazar

Cox’s Bazar is the home of the longest natural sea beach in the world.  And it’s a beautiful spot to see in the late afternoon golden hour as the sun sets over the Bay of Bengal. 

Things to do in Cox’s Bazar

• Cox’s Bazar Beach:  Join the crowds and marvel at the beautiful sunset (and eat some candy floss) on the longest beach in the world. 
• Himchori Waterfall:  A shallow but beautiful waterfall located in the National Park not far from main beach in Cox’s Bazar. 
• Inani Beach:  Part of Cox’s Bazar beach, Inani has unique black and coral stones cover the shore line during the rainy and summer seasons. 
• Star Kabab:  We’ve added this as a must-eat in Cox’s Bazar… Highly recommend for a tasty (and friendly) dinner. 

Transportation from Cox’s Bazar

• Bus to Chittagong: 5 hours
• Flight to Dhaka: 50 mins

Chittagong is a large port city on the south-eastern coast of Bangladesh and is second-largest city in the country.  It is another very busy city and like Dhaka, the streets are filled with masses of cycle and auto-rickshaws.  There isn’t much in the way of tourists sights to see but Chittagong is a useful gateway to the Hill Tracts area or south to Cox’s Bazar. 

And for us, Chittagong was a bit more special as we celebrated my birthday.  (I had never previously imagined my birthday at an amusement park in Chittagong but there we were!). 

Things to do in Chittagong

• Shishu Amusement Park:  Located in the heart of the city this is a small (and old) amusement park for children with around 15 simple rides. 
• Take a boat ride from Saderghat:  Similarly to Dhaka it’s easy to get a cheap wooden boat across the river and beautiful to see at sunset. 
• Visit the ship breaking yards:  Not easy to do – after child labour was exposed at the yards – rather it’s easier to see the ship yards from a distance by boat. 
• Get ice cream sundaes : Not technically a sight of Chittagong but one we have to share. Sub Zero is near opposite Shishu Park and does a great oreo sundae… 

Ekduaria Village

It’s hard to decide, but for us the opportunity to stay in and be part of a small village in rural Bangladesh is perhaps the most memorable week of our trip.  

The cities are bustling and the towns have a lot going on.  But seeing day to day life in a rural village is the kind of travel you can’t imagine until you get there. 

I am going to dedicate an entire blog (or two, or more) to sharing our experience in Ekduaria Village, but for now here are some of the highlights… 

Things to do in Ekduaria Village

• Milk a cow:  Meet the local farmers and collect milk for breakfast (walk back through the village with your tin of fresh, warm milk). 
• Harvest vegetables:  From the backyard garden and collect pumpkins, squash and okra from the farm 
• Drink tea with locals:  At the market chai stand or in people’s homes (this is Bangladeshi hospitality).
• Wander the small streets:  And talk to people along the way (don’t worry about the language barrier; there’s much to talk about even without words). 
• Go and watch a soccer game:  The local high school field is the place to be for an energetic inter-village match
• Cook in a mud-kitchen:  Learn how to make paratha, curry, rice-pancakes and much more. 
• Offer to help:  Go and help the farmers with some of their daily chores (they will laugh but you will love it!).  

As we awaited the return of confirmed travel visas for Bangladesh we let slip to a few of our close friends that we were planning a trip to Bangladesh – with kids.  

After the initial eye-bulging return stare of said friends and family, the first question was always of safety.  Is Bangladesh safe?!  

Now, having been and travelled Bangladesh – and  survived  thrived – our summary is not of safety concerns… But those of health. 

There’s no two ways about it.  Health and hygiene are legitimate concerns for travel in Bangladesh.  

Dhaka is one of the most polluted (and obviously the most populous) cities in the world.  And hygiene standards are low. 

Like low, low.  Really low. 

There is only so much you can do as prevention in these circumstances.  

• Carry a basic-but-sensibly-stocked  medical kit . You can read details of everything we carry in our medical kit here.  Rehydration sachets are (reflectively)  recommended  essential in Bangladesh… 
• Always  wash your hands before and after eating  (and/or carry hand sanitiser).  Bangladeshi custom is to eat with your hands so this is even more important. 
• Drink bottled water .  As above, it’s contradictory to all that we try to uphold in sustainable travel but worth it to be safe and  prevent all  prevent diahhroea where possible.  
• Avoid  ice, salads and fruit washed in water .  You don’t know where the water came from (and it’s likely not filtered). 
• Avoid  mosquito bites .  Especially in the golden hour of sunset, wear long trousers and use mosquito repellent. And if available/offered, sleep under a mosquito net.  

Food in Bangladesh 

Bangladesh is a land of rice.  

And I would say also a land of BBQ meat, bhaji, jackfruit and flatbreads.  

But the most exciting part about food in Bangladesh? Bangladeshis use their hands to eat.  

It is definitely something of a practised art form to eat entirely sans cutlery.  But a few days into it you will find yourself ignoring the especially sought out fork and joining the local way. 

The right hand is used to scoop food into your mouth and it is considered bad etiquette to eat with your left hand.  Rather, the left hand should be used to hold the plate or assist with serving.  

Every eatery no matter how big or small will have a ‘wash room’ or handwashing station.  (Albeit you may need to scoop the water from a bucket).  But get into it and give it a go.  There is a whole list of delicious tastes and dishes that await you! 

• Biryani:  Rice and marinated meat cooked in lots of spices
• Kabab:  BBQ chicken roasted to perfection 
• Bhaji:  Roasted vegetables in a light curry flavour (served at any time of day)
• Kichuri:  Rice and lentils seasoned with turmeric and ghee
• Morog Polao  (chicken Pilaf): Rice cooked with stock (= amazing!)
• Haleem:  Spicy lentil soup
• Shingara : AKA  samosa  (pastry filled with spiced potatoes, onions, peas)
• Parata:  Bengali wheat-flour flatbread often served at breakfast
• Luchi:  Deep-fried flatbread with the perfect puff! 
• Mishti  (sweet): Dahl dessert made with milk and sugar
• Borhani:  Thick, frothy yoghurt-like drink
• Jilapi/Jalebi:  Deep-fried, sweet snack (crystalised sugar) 

Food in Bangladesh with kids

• Chai:  Always sweet and pretty standard in taste 
• BBQ Chicken:  Our kids loved the chicken kabab and BBQ chicken in Bangladesh! 
• Dal:  Lentil, peas and beans made into a thick stew. (Sounds unappetising but an easy meal to eat with rice).  And it’s gentle on small tummies. 
• Biryani:  This well-known rice dish is always fairly standard
• Paratha:  Flat bread that has been deep fried (say no more)
• Naan:  Always reliable as a simple meal base
• Sweet lassi:  Traditional yoghurt-based drink (like a milkshake)
• Falooda:  Ice cream dessert made with rose syrup, custard and pieces of jelly

And fruit and drinking coconuts!  We arrived just at the beginning of mango season which was delicious.  And we ate far more than our fair share of jackfruit in the village.

Drinking water

Tap water is not safe to drink in Bangladesh.  And unfortunately, finding filtered water to refill your drink bottle is not easy. 

If you have a steripen or UV water filter definitely bring this for your trip as it’s not a nice feeling to buy plastic bottles of drinking water in a country that is seriously struggling with plastic/pollution… 

Best to play it safe.  And watch out for cups/cutlery that is dripping from being washed in unsanitary water. 

Are there supermarkets and/or recognisable shops in Bangladesh? 

This is probably about the time I have to confess we even ordered takeaway chicken and chips one evening from Food Panda.  In other words; in the city, Bangladesh isn’t far behind with takeaways and food delivery services.  

However, many of the big brands (McDonalds, Starbucks etc) are not in Bangladesh.  

Agora  is a popular supermarket chain and stores can be found in the main cities. 

What to wear for travel in Bangladesh

I love this part of travel Bangladesh. The country is obviously populous (200,000,000 obvious) but oh Bangladesh, you are oh-so-colourful…

Bangladesh is a majority Islamic country and there are expectations for what to wear for travel in the cities and especially in the rural areas.  

For women long pants are always expected.  In the cities is ok(ish) to wear a smart, short-sleeved top. But I would recommend out of the city at least ¾ sleeves.  

I found the best clothing for Bangladesh was the local style of (brightly coloured) salwar kameez.  This is the typical Bangladeshi 3-piece costume of loose trousers, long (below your bottom) tunic-style top and scarf draped across your chest or over your head.  

The salwar kameez is made from fabric that is cool to wear and is addictively colourful.   

For men, advice is similarly conservative but with slightly more flexibility.  Men in shorts  can  be spotted on occasion. But being realistic, it’s not a common sight.  Long pants/trousers and a shirt for men is recommended (and expected, really). 

And for kids – especially young kids – it’s more relaxed.  Our boys enjoyed trying the local style of  Panjabi  (particularly as locals had never seen boys with long hair before!). 

Bangladeshi costumes you will see day-to-day:

• Salwar kameez  (f): long tunic top and loose trousers
• Orna  (f): scarf to drape over shoulders or neck (part of the salwar kameez costume)
• Saree  (f): the main traditional women’s costume of Bangladesh most commonly seen on women in the villages
• Lungyi  (m): males sarong-like skirt made from tubular length of fabric
• Panjabi  (m): long, loose shirt.  
• Fatua  (m): short version of the Panjabi (short, loose shirt) 
• Gamcha  (m): a colourful, cotton towel (spun by local handloom) often worn around the neck by workers to be used as a body towel 

Transportation in Bangladesh

Transport and travel in Bangladesh can be as tricky as you make it.

There is road travel (taxis, buses, vans), train travel (express trains and a new metro to come), river travel (the most traditional means of travel in Bangladesh) and rickshaws (pedal and auto).

Don’t try and over complicate things haggling for a best price (especially over a few cents). You will draw a crowd regardless but even more so if you’re trying to negotiate with a driver. And don’t be afraid to walk away. They know how much it should cost and you don’t need to be ripped off just because you’re a foreigner.

Getting around by auto rickshaw (CNG) – travel in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has electric and CNG auto rickshaws that are easy to flag down and take for short to medium distances in the cities and towns.  

For a 2km distance it costs around 100Tk (USD $1.15).  Just be sure to negotiate and confirm the price before you climb in.  

Getting around by cycle rickshaw – travel in Bangladesh

This is by far the most authentic mode of transport in Bangladesh.  It only costs a few taka for a short distance by cycle rickshaw (just not so easy for us as a family of four – we need to get two!).  

Train travel in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is well known for train travel.  It’s likely you will have seen images of hundreds of people riding on the roof of trains… 

Well, we did see people on the rooftops (and heard big thumps as they leapt on the roof above us from one carriage to the next!).   But the police are trying reduce the number of people riding on the top and fortunately we didn’t see quite as many as anticipated.  

It’s relatively easy to book a train ticket at the main railway station in Dhaka.  The most challenging part of booking is battling the traffic in a taxi to get there.  If you don’t have hours to spare you can contact a guide (like  trip2bangladesh.com ) ahead of time to book the ticket for you (we did this for our first train from Dhaka to Sylhet) and have it dropped to your hotel. 

Boat travel in Bangladesh

Long-distance water travel in Bangladesh is by  launch.   These are huge river ferries (what we would call a ferry back home).  But in Bangladesh, ferries are the term for short-distance river travel from one side of the river to the other.  Like the one we took across the Padma river (this is the main channel of the greater Ganges River in Bangladesh).  

Launch travel is a bucketlist experience in Bangladesh and absolutely the most traditional means of transport in the country.  

Overnight launches depart from Dhaka in the evening and arrive in Barisal before sunrise. 

Here are some of the class options and pricing for a one-way overnight launch in Bangladesh: 

• VIP Cabin : 10,000 Tk
• 1st Class Cabin: (A/C, shared toilet): 2500 Tk
• Economy (seats, shared toilet): 800 Tk
• 3rd Class (floor space only): 280 Tk 

Bus travel in Bangladesh

Bus travel is a cheap way to move between cities.  There’s no need to pre-book far in advance as there are  squillions hundreds of buses departing frequently in any given direction. 

It was easy to purchase tickets the day before from a small travel agent in Cox’s Bazar for the 5 hour journey to Chittagong.  (Transport and tour agent stalls line the streets in the tourist area here).  Tickets for the AC bus cost 500 Tk each ($6 USD). 

Budget  for travel in Bangladesh

As a traveller, first thoughts are that Bangladesh will be a cheap country to travel in.  And daily – for food, necessities and transport – it is. 

• Cup of cha (tea): 10 Tk / USD 0.15c
• Water (1L): 40 Tk / 0.45c 
• Canned drink: 40 Tk
• Drinking coconut: 100 Tk
• Daal: 50 Tk
• Tandoori chicken: 200 Tk
• Restaurant lunch (for 4: 600 Tk
• Auto-rickshaw (2km): 100 Tk
• Uber/taxi (5km): 450 Tk
• Passenger boat (across river): 10 Tk
• AC bus (5 hours): 500 Tk
• Barber shop shave: 100 Tk
• 15GB data (for 7 days): 160 Tk

I must admit we were (pleasantly) surprised by connectivity and wifi options in Bangladesh.  Albeit hotel accommodation is not really cheap (for a family) but every place we stayed had free and unlimited wifi.  

We were disconnected from 3G and 4G data on some of the bus and train rides but not in a way that caused any disruption worth writing further about. 

Getting a SIM card for travel in Bangladesh 

The three biggest communications operators in Bangladesh are: 

• Grameenphone

Grameenphone has a counter selling SIM cards as you exit customs at the airport in Dhaka (even for a night time flight).  

When we landed in Dhaka there were not ATM’s working but I exchanged $20 USD and was able to buy two SIM cards with Grameenphone for 600 Tk each including 12GB of data. 

It’s easy to top up (they call it ‘recharge’) your card at many small street shops.  Just get familiar with the Grameenphone logo and keep an eye out for it.  

If you handover your phone the shopkeeper will top it up the old-fashioned way by calling in to Grameenphone and recharging your desired amount to your account.  You can then choose from a list of data or calling packages. 

Data prices are cheap (like cheap, cheap) and come up under ‘My Offers’ on the service provider app: 

• 100 minutes, 30 days: 65 Tk
• 20 GB, 7 days: 179 Tk
• 13 GB, 30 days: 220 Tk
• 6 GB, 3 days: 76 Tk

Whether to travel in Bangladesh independently or pre-book tours and transport? 

No doubt you’ve started googling and are wondering how to put together the pieces of the puzzle that is an itinerary for Bangladesh.  But quite frankly there isn’t a lot of information out there.

Looking at the map before we left, we split our travel in Bangladesh into different legs (in different directions). We made contact with owner, Ontu of tour company  TripToBangladesh  to gauge prices for transport and to pre-book the first overnight launch and day tour for the Sundarbans. 

For the remainder we travelled independently (by bus, plane and train) and booked two of our three train journeys after we arrived. 

I can highly recommend Ontu for his caring and very professional manner to help with making any tour and/or transport bookings for Bangladesh.  

To stay in Ekduaria Village contact host Jafar Tuhin of Taabu Ekduaria directly on  +880 1969-404414 .  Jafar is an incredible host, with fluent English and very easy to be around.  We arrived as guests and left as friends. 

Useful contacts for travel in Bangladesh

• Trip2Bangladesh Contact person: Ontu WhatsApp:  +8801784399339 Email: [email protected]
• Taabu Ekduaria Host and guide: Jafar Tuhin  WhatsApp: +880 1969-404414

Jafar is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide for city tours of Dhaka and the neighbouring ancient city of Sonargaon too. I highly recommend a day tour of Old Dhaka including the sights, bazars and fascinating huge ship breaking yards. Contact him directly – you will not be disappointed!

Accommodation options for travel in Bangladesh

In a country that is shamelessly renowned for being a budget destination, I would say that for us the cost of accommodation in Bangladesh came as a surprise. 

I’m not going to pretend we found budget accommodation and roughed our way around the country.  Because we didn’t.  But cost-wise it wasn’t what we expected. 

We booked a hotel to arrive to for the first few nights (Hotel 71) and the family room allocated to four pax was well above our budget for fulltime travel. 

As we found our feet and figured out how it all worked here we realised that as a family, accommodation options offered the greatest disparity in our budget.  

In Dhaka, Sylhet and Chittagong there seemed to be 4 or 5 star hotel options at $130+ USD per night.   Or  you had to be roughing it in a guesthouse/apartment that we could barely even find online… 

In the smaller cities like Sreemangal and Cox’s Bazar it is easier to find lower-cost accommodation.  

But even as normally strict-budget travellers I can tell you we were unashamedly thankful for an albeit expensive-but-clean room, air-conditioning and a hot shower in the cities.   Pick your battles?

Everything we booked in Bangladesh we managed to book ahead of time online through booking.com.  We booked the first few nights prior to arriving.

Where we stayed in Bangladesh

• Dhaka:   Hotel 71  
• Barisal:   Hotel Grand Park
• Mongla:   Hotel Pashur
• Dhaka:   Hotel Tropical Daisy  
• Sreemangal:   Green Leaf Guest House
• Sylhet:   Hotel Mira Garden
• Cox’s Bazar:   Laguna Beach Hotel  
• Chittagong:   Well Park Residence Boutique Hotel
• Dhaka:   Hotel 71
• Ekduaria Village: Taabu Ekduaria Village Homestay

Read the reviews on booking sites and use Google Maps to check out accommodation and locations before you book.  

Thank you, Bangladesh.

Well that ends our huge guide for travel in Bangladesh.  

If you are looking for a destination that will give you culture, colour, adventure, taste and wonder then I recommend travel in Bangladesh. 

Please leave us a comment with any further questions and we’ll get back to you. 

We had a truly, genuinely fantastic time traveling in Bangladesh. And now that I’ve dried my tears on leaving Ekduaria Village after an incredible week of Bangladeshi hospitality, I know for sure it is going to be one of those countries that sticks with us, and close to our heart for a long time to come…

More about travel planning for Bangladesh and beyond…

These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel. 

• Booking.com  – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally. (We love the flexible cancellation policy!). 
• Hostelworld – The largest inventory of hostel accommodation in the world. 
• Skyscanner   – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.  
• GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
• SafetyWing  – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country. 
• World Nomads   – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). 

Read more about travel in Bangladesh and South Asia

• Train Travel in India: A Complete Guide.
• The Sacred River Ganges: Two days in Varanasi.
• Crossing the Wagah Border from India to Pakistan. 
• Pakistan: A complete guide to travel in Pakistan. 
• Money in India: Using ATM’s, withdrawing and carrying your money safely.
• How to use a squat toilet: Everything you didn’t want to ask…
• Our complete packing list for travel in India. 

Wondering about itineraries?  Questions about schooling?  See our Family Travel Guides and FAQ here . 

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12 thoughts on “Travel In Bangladesh: A Complete Travel Guide For Bangladesh.”

Thank you for the wealth of valuable information. There is one point that flies in contrast with the Consulate general of Bangladesh’s website, the US travel.gov website, and every other website I have searched for, that is Visa on Arrivals are currently (as of Jan 2024) in effect, at least for the US.

Perhaps your contention that VoA are not available is dependent upon your nationality as a Kiwi?

I wanted to get your thoughts on this matter before I head out on Jan. 23rd from Miami.

One other question comes to mind, I have found various local standards regarding the condition of currency in different countries. I remember back 30 years ago when I was in India bills could have large holes in them due to the custom of stapling stacks together and ripping bills off one by one, but tears along the edges were not accepted. As such, torn bills were commonly given to unsuspecting foreigners. Is there anything to be aware of regarding acceptance of Bangladeshi currency?

Hi, I am a solo (middle aged) female traveller heading to Dhaka for a wedding in Feb 2023. I would like to travel alone through Bangladesh for a few weeks after – do you think this is doable or is it going to be so hard that it’s not worth the effort. I have tried to find a tour to join but can’t find anything running which I can join. Are there local tours I can join or do you think I can manage to get around as a solo blonde, white, western woman!? I have travelled solo previously and enjoy it, but I’m a little older now and have heard that it is very difficult in Bangladesh.

Love the blog – it’s the first I’ve seen of Bangladesh which has been really helpful, Helen

Hi Helen great to hear from you! If you would like to find us on Facebook or email I can give you more details – but I highly recommend contact Jafar, a fantastic Guide based near Dhaka (it was Jafar’s village we stayed a week in!). And on your first day do a day tour of Dhaka to find your feet and get your bearings in Bangladesh – we had a truly, truly amazing time and would love to return! The other Guide we have listed; Ontu is from Barisal and can help with booking tours or trains or transport as well. It makes a huge difference to have great contacts as it is a huge country! We can highly recommend both of those great guides. Wishing you a fantastic time! And if you have any further questions please message us, Sarah.

I am really happy to have found your blog. I am planning a trip to Bangladesh in early 2024, from late January to mid-February. I was originally going to India, but diplomatic relations between India and Canada are strained. India has stopped issuing visas to Canadian citizens… So, here I am planning a trip to Bangladesh. My primary goal when I travel is photography. I am working on a book project that includes 15 years of traveling through different countries. I wish to visit the city of Chittagong to explore the ship graveyard and everything around it. I read on your blog that access can be challenging. Is it possible to get close to it? Thank you for your blog; it is very well-documented. Best regards, Louis P. Instagram @parlimages

Hi Louis we had an incredible time in Bangladesh! I highly recommend sending Jafar a message (on his WhatsApp number above) and getting in touch. He would be the best person to ask. From what I understand the yards in Chittagong are closed to tourists and especially photographers. But I really recommend a tour with Jafar when you arrive as a great way to find your feet and get a good understanding to start with in Bangladesh. An amazing country!

I’m traveling to Bangaldesh as a female solo traveler (for work, but will still be solo for most of the trip) so thank you very, very much for this honest and comprehensive travel guide and description. I’ve lived in Singapore for many years and travelled throughout most of SEA, yet Bangladesh seems next level. I was happy to read your blog to get an insight on what to expect. Unfortunately, I won’t make it to most of the places you’ve been and I also probably won’t make it on a boat or train ride (due to work and corporate compliance…), but all your information on food, hygiene, what to wear etc. helped me a lot. Thanks!!

Thanks very much Shumona! Wishing you a fantastic trip 🙂

Great blog post. Heading there this December with a friend and always nice to read a REAL review to get the low down from a foreigners POV. Fine work

Hi Iain and thanks very much! Have a brilliant time in Bangladesh. We really enjoyed the adventure and am sure you will too! 🙂

I’m traveling to Bangaldesh as a female solo traveler (for work, but will still be solo for most of the trip) so thank you very, very much for this honest and comprehensive travel guide and description. I’ve lived in Singapore for many years and travelled throughout most of SEA, yet Bangladesh seems next level. I was happy to read your blog to get an insight on what to expect. Unfortunately, I won’t make it to most of the places you’ve been and I also probably won’t make it on a boat or train ride (due to work and corporate compliance…), but all your information on food, hygiene, what to wear etc. helped me a lot. Thanks!!

Hi Sarah! This is amazing to read and thank you very much for taking the time to write that. Wishing you a fantastic time in Bangladesh! It is somewhere very special. And even with limited time I am confident you will have maximum experiences! Have a brilliant time! Sarah.

Wow! This travel guide for Bangladesh is incredibly comprehensive and informative. It’s evident that you had an amazing experience exploring the country. The unique culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality of the Bangladeshi people shine through your words. I’m inspired to visit Bangladesh myself after reading about your adventures. Thank you for sharing this detailed guide and providing valuable insights into the history, attractions, transportation, and even local customs. Your enthusiasm and love for the country are contagious. Safe travels to all those planning to visit Bangladesh – book your trip now and embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure! You may love to know about Everest Base Camp Trek Guide which is an exhilarating and challenging trekking adventure that takes you through the majestic Khumbu region of Nepal.

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7 Days in Bangladesh: An Awesome 1-Week Adventure Itinerary

Bangladesh: an underrated, overly beautiful, raw country.

I’m ecstatic I got to spend a week exploring this most densely populated country in the world , tailoring a one-week itinerary that really highlights what makes Bangladesh unique. These 7 days I spent here were full of adventure, fun, and history.

You’re about to see just why the hidden gem of Bangladesh is one of the most underrated countries you could ever visit.

The Ultimate 7-Day Bangladesh Itinerary

From tea plantations with incredibly delicious tea for $0.10 to floating watermelon markets on the largest river delta in the world , there is more than enough to do in a week visiting Bangladesh.

Day 1 : Arrival in Dhaka Day 2 : Dhaka Tour by TukTuk, Overnight VIP Launch to Swarukpathi, stay at the most epic AirBnB in Bangladesh Day 3 : Explore the river delta by canoe, visit markets, and learn about Spirulina farming Day 4 : Fly to Sylhet, enjoy the world’s best $0.10 tea on a plantation for sunset Day 5 : Enjoy the best waterfalls in Bangladesh Day 6 : Fly to Cox’s Bazaar and stay on the longest beach in Bangladesh. Enjoy shipwrecks, beach, markets, sun, sand, and fun Day 7 : Explore Chittagong, the second largest city in Bangladesh, then fly home from here

This itinerary involves this transportation in Bangladesh to be booked ahead of time:

• An overnight launch (Dhaka – Swarupkathi) on Day 2-3
• A domestic flight (Barisal [BZL] to Sylhet [ZYL]) on Day 4
• Another domestic flight (Sylhet [ZYL] to Cox’s Bazar [CXB]) on Day 6

You can book your hotels in these places in this order (only 5 nights in hotels):

Night 1 : Dhaka Nights 3 & 4 : Swarupkathi Nights 5 & 6: Cox’s Bazar

Night 2 is spent on the overnight launch .

Flying into Bangladesh from abroad

Bangladesh has an incredible amount of international flight options – and to multiple cities within Bangladesh too!

You can fly into Dhaka (DAC), the capital, from basically all over the world: London , Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuala Lumpur, Istanbul, Bangkok, Doha, Bahrain, Hanoi, Singapore, Delhi, Jeddah, and more .

This means you have tons of one-stop options from the US to Bangladesh and several nonstops from Europe. Pretty incredible. Get the best flight deals to Bangladesh here .

But you can also fly to Chittagong (CGP) and Sylhet (ZYL) from many cities – mostly in the UK and the Middle East. So that means you could start your trip in Dhaka and finish out of Chittagong or Sylhet for a more efficient, streamlined itinerary.

Are you wondering if Bangladeshi airlines are safe and good? Last month, I flew on Biman Bangladesh Airlines and really enjoyed the experience .

Day 1: Arrival into Bangladesh (Visa, SIM card, Formalities)

What you need to know for your first day in Bangladesh:

• Arrival Procedure in Dhaka
• How to Obtain a Visa on Arrival
• Finding the Best Hotels in Dhaka

How to get a Visa on Arrival in Bangladesh

Travelers from many countries have the ability to obtain a visa on arrival in Bangladesh, which is fantastic.

It’s one of the easiest and cheapest VOAs I’ve gotten, especially in comparison to the experiences I had in countries like Senegal and Bolivia . Here’s how to obtain it:

• Follow signs for Arrivals
• Look for the Visa on Arrival area, to the right of the bottom of the escalator
• Pay $51 or 50€ at the Sonali Bank counter for a receipt
• Stand in the VOA line, which is right next to the bank
• After obtaining a VOA, pass through immigrations
• Claim your baggage then head through customs

Once you arrive at Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, you will follow signs for Arrivals. This leads you down an escalator. The Visa on Arrival area is immediately to the right after going down the escalator, and there is a sign indicating so.

Why you should bring cash

Once in the VOA area, the first step is to head to the Sonali Bank Limited, where you can pay $51 USD or 50 Euro per person for a 15-day visa. There was a card reader, but I believe only cash is accepted.

You can exchange cash here at the same rate as outside of immigrations, so we highly highly recommend you do so. The one ATM at the airport does not accept foreign cards.

You’ll receive a receipt for your payment, then stand in a separate line right next to the bank to receive the actual Visa in your passport in exchange for it.

They will ask questions like your purpose of travel, where you are staying, how long you are staying, etc.

Only once this is all done can you head to immigrations. There’s a “foreigners” line, and it’s typically very easy and quick. After this you’ll pass baggage reclaim, and then customs which is usually slow because you have to put your baggage through a scanner.

Buying a SIM card at Dhaka Airport (Cheap)

Upon exiting customs, there are several local SIM card providers and taxi stands. We were recommended Grameenphone (GP) by several locals, and it ended up working great. The Grameenphone SIM card with 30GB of data costs 750 Taka, approximately $7.

If you have T-Mobile or any other of the carriers that I recommend for traveling internationally , you have complimentary or very cheap high speed data in Bangladesh as well. T-Mobile gives you 5GB of unrestricted data, which is fantastic.

Getting to downtown Dhaka from the airport

We highly recommend booking a taxi here, even though it’s more expensive. We tried to take an Uber and failed , and the arrivals area is quite the cluster. Taxis will cost 1700 Taka ($15-20 USD) to downtown Dhaka from the airport, which can be paid by card. The great part is that they’ll guide you all the way to the taxi, so there’s no hassle.

If you’re more adventurous, you can negotiate with an unofficial taxi outside (somewhat risky) or even walk towards the highway and find a TukTuk that will take you downtown. These are much, much cheaper (about 500 Taka / $5 or less) to get downtown.

Best hotels in Dhaka

We found our stay at Hotel the Capital wonderful. For a very affordable rate, you get 4-star amenities, excellent service, breakfast, and a very central location for sightseeing. As we were on a budget, we found it perfectly reasonable.

Other notable hotels include:

• The InterContinental Dhaka
• RadissonBlu Dhaka Water Garden

Getting around Dhaka

Though there are taxis, we found the best way to get around Dhaka was to hail a TukTuk. The motorized versions are known as CNGs and these are typically the quickest way around town.

You can also ride in a rickshaw for a fully man-operated, thrilling experience. This is the cheapest option, and not as slow as you’d think. It’s probably the least safe, however.

Both options are very cheap – usually 200 Taka for 20 minutes of driving in a CNG and half for the rickshaw. You can negotiate, but we didn’t feel it was necessary.

The CNGs typically do have room for your carry-on luggage. My roomy pilot carry-on suitcase fit perfectly.

Day 2: Exploring Dhaka’s famous sights before a scenic night ferry (launch)

What you’ll need to know for day 2 of exploring Bangladesh:

• The Top 10 Places to Visit in Dhaka
• How to book a ferry boat (launch) to Swarupkathi or Barisal
• Where the ferry terminal is and how to find your launch

There’s a wonderful loop around Dhaka you can take to best visit it’s top sights and learn about the history of Bangladesh.

It takes up most of the day, so make sure to start early – because the day will finish with an incredible ferry (launch) on the world’s largest river delta.

10 Places You Need to See in Dhaka

In consecutive order geographically, here are the top 10 sights you need to visit in Dhaka:

• Baitul Mukarram National Mosque
• ISKCON Swamibag Temple (Central)
• Ahsan Manzil Museum
• Tara Masjid
• লালবাগ কেল্লা (Lalbagh Fort)
• Dhakeshwari National Temple
• Suhrawardy Udyan
• The Museum of Independence
• Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy
• The Kawran Bazaar

Visiting these top Dhaka sights in this order creates a very efficient loop, enabling you to visit all of them in a single day and still make it to the ferry in the evening.

If you have more time (perhaps arriving early on day one), you should definitely also check out:

• The Liberation War Museum
• Bangladesh Air Force Museum
• The National Parliament

How to book a cabin on the night launch (ferry/cruise boat) from Dhaka to Barisal or Swarupkathi

Launches (ferries) are naturally the most popular way of traveling across Bangladesh. After all, it is the world’s largest river delta, with inlets and outlets enabling access almost anywhere in the country.

As such, spots on these ferries tend to fill up early, and it’s advisable to book ahead.

The best way to book a ferry ahead of time is through your hotel or by finding a local tour guide. Otherwise, it’s almost impossible to book from abroad, and booking once you arrive might be too late.

Almost all of the launches/ferries are night ferries and depart around 530-6PM daily. They feature cabins with beds, bathrooms, restaurants/snack bars, and more.

If you need contact details of a good tour guide, we recommend Ontu (WhatsApp: +880 1784-399339).

How to successfully ride a ferry/launch in Bangladesh

Because we managed to book this incredible AirBnB in Swarupkathi , we decided to take the direct night ferry to Swarupkathi instead of to the larger city of Barisal. That ferry was called Farahan 10 .

It’s a bit complicated to get on the ferry, which is why I’m mentioning it now.

Our ferry left from the Sadarghat Launch Terminal. Note that ‘ghat’ means “ stairs or a passage leading down to a river “, and there are many ‘ghat’s in Dhaka.

We rode in a CNG from The Capital Hotel to Sadarghat, which took 45 minutes in traffic and set us back 600 Taka ($6).

Once we arrived at the ferry terminal, we paid 10 Taka per person for entry at the entrance. You’ll go down a ramp, and this is where it gets confusing.

There are something like 50 ferry/launch boats here, making it difficult to find which one is yours. Luckily, there are plenty of English-speaking people to help you, assuming you know the name of your ferry boat/launch .

Once you’re onboard the launch, you’ll find employees that will lead you to your cabin. If you didn’t book a cabin, there are two levels you can sleep on – assuming you brought your own carpet/sleeping pad. If not, it’s gonna be a long night on the floor!

Make sure to let the workers know where you’re getting off so they come and wake you up about 20 minutes before arrival. Keep in mind the boat stops many times before you get there.

What our VIP Cabin Launch Experience was like in Bangladesh

Every launch to Barisal offers VIP cabins. These have excellent amenities – a private bathroom with shower, a working desk, security, and room service.

On my trip, I especially enjoyed the extra privacy, quiet, and serenity the VIP cabin offers. The bed is comfortable, the shower (though cool) has excellent pressure, and having your own bathroom is such an improvement in quality of life.

VIP Cabins on launches are typically much more expensive than normal cabins or no cabin (just floor room). Ours was 4000 Taka, about $40USD, for the VIP cabin. Worth it? 100% – if just for the ability to sleep a nearly full night.

For dinner, our server brought us a table for the room. We had delicious fish with vegetables and rice. The ride was peaceful, smooth, and the dull engine sound lulled us right to sleep. No waves on the river delta, and the piloting is even smoother than mine !

We arrived right at sunrise, for an absolutely epic view on our home for the following day.

Day 3: Exploring off the beaten path in Bangladesh

Sure, you can say that being a tourist in Bangladesh already is being off the beaten path .

But what if I told you that you could be even more off the beaten path from that off-the-beaten path?

Welcome to Swarupkathi . Here’s what you’ll need to know for day 3 of this epic Bangaldeshi itinerary:

• How to book the most epic accommodation in all of Bangladesh
• The awesome, authentic local tours you’ll want to do in Swarupkathi
• How to visit the Sundarbans: home of the Bengal Tiger

The Most Epic AirBnB in Bangladesh – surprisingly off the beaten path

When my partner announced to me that she discovered an incredible AirBnB deep in the Bangladeshi jungle, I was a bit surprised. Hear me out – it’s tough enough finding hotels in medium-sized cities in Bangladesh, let alone an AirBnB. So naturally, I had reservations (pun intended).

As soon as we booked it, we were in direct, constant communication with our lovely host, Ish. Ish is originally from Swarupkathi but now lives in Britain. As such, he has the best local knowledge and perfect English. And when I say he helped us arrange everything , I mean it.

From booking the night ferry for us to setting up transportation to and from the AirBnB, Ish made our stay in Swarupkathi flawless from beginning to end. We even got to go on a canoe ride, visit a Spirulina farm, and meet local woodcrafters. It was the most authentic Bangladeshi experience we had the whole trip.

And if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to check in immediately and take a nap if you need after the launch!

Incredible local tours from Swarupkathi

Ish can arrange several awesome local tours that will have you mesmerized by the Bangladeshi country side. These awesome tours include:

• A canoe/motorboat tour through the endless canals of Swarupkathi, including a visit to a local park and market
• An in-depth tour of a spirulina farm : learn how it’s grown and processed super carefully, and how this business has truly emerged in the last few years
• Local mosque visits, where you can learn more about the local culture and traditions
• Visit to a woodcrafts shop , where you can see how incredible furniture is made from beginning to end – and buy some for a bargain compared to what you would pay at home

If you’re here during watermelon season (summer), you may get lucky and see a floating watermelon market . These are one of the coolest things in Bangladesh! (Both the market and the watermelons 😉 )

Bonus: stay an extra day or two and explore the Sundarbans (Bengal Tigers live here!)

It is also possible to visit the Sundarbans , possibly the highlight of National Parks in Bangladesh. Here is the place to see the elusive Bengal Tiger – if you’re lucky! They are terribly hard to spot.

That being said, there are so many amazing experiences you can have here, whether it’s exploring by little canoe boat or going for a hike in the jungle.

Ish can help arrange transport to the town of Mongla or Khulna, about 3.5 hours away. Most hotels are located in Khulna and you can find tours departing from there as well.

From Khulna, you can rejoin the original itinerary by flying from Jashore airport or taking another overnight launch back to Dhaka then a morning train, bus, or flight to Sylhet.

Alternately, it is possible to make it to the Sundarbans by bus or launch directly from Dhaka, or by flight from Dhaka to Jashore then a bus or private transfer. In this case, you could visit the Sundarbans instead of Swarupkathi – but then you’ll miss out on the awesome local experience there!

Day 4: Spilling the tea about Sylhet

After freshly prepared breakfast in Swarupkathi, it’s time to make your way to Barisal Airport for a new adventure.

On the way, make sure to visit the fabulous Baitul Aman Jame Masjid , an incredibly decorated mosque alongside wonderful lush gardens and a small lake.

Further down the road is the Durga Sargar , a protected wildlife area with a beautiful lake. You can walk, kayak, and explore. I recommend at least an hour here.

Flight Options to Sylhet

Though you could take another overnight ferry to Dhaka, a bus, a train, or a combination, flying is definitely most convenient for this journey.

Flight costs in Bangladesh vary from $25 to as much $60 each leg, like my business class flight I booked on Biman Airines .

To get to Sylhet, you’ll need to take a connecting flight via Dhaka. Though I do recommend Biman Airlines, US-Bangla is a good alternative. If you’re savvy and don’t have any checked in luggage, you could craft a custom itinerary using a mix of both, as well as NovoAir (which offers even cheaper flights in Bangladesh).

The Best Hotel in Sylhet

Once in Sylhet, you can easily find a CNG or taxi to take you to the hotel. Sylhet actually offers a decent selection of hotels, but we particularly enjoyed the Hotel Noorjahan Grand, Sylhet .

As the hotel in Sylhet with not just the largest rooftop pool – an infinity one at that – and an incredible rooftop restaurant, the Noorjahan Grand was an easy choice for a hotel.

Rooms were very affordable (under $50/night), service was generally excellent, and the breakfast buffet was stupendous.

How to visit the best tea plantation in Sylhet

If you open up Google Maps, you’ll immediately notice a seemingly infinite number of tea plantations in the area. If you’re a tea lover, this is heaven.

I can’t really say if there is a ‘best’ Tea plantation here. We accidentally went to মালনীছড়া চা বাগান (look up Tourist Tea Stall) instead of the Lakkatura Tea Plantation , as we couldn’t communicate with our TukTuk driver. Quite hilarious.

Entrance was something like 150 Taka per person including a guide to explain things, and as you can see, it was perfect for sunset. The Tourist tea stall ended up offering some of the best tea I’ve ever had, and for only 10 Taka ($0.10!!!)

We enjoyed this experience far better than we would have at a more tourist-laden tea garden.

Day 5: How to visit the best waterfalls in Bangladesh in one day

You won’t believe your eyes when you see this waterfall in Bangladesh.

As you begin your drive towards the north, you’ll pass endless tea plantations, see the hazy skies start to give way to clear blue, and the hilly lands become green. It’s a wonderful feeling.

When you arrive, you’ll be flabbergasted by the beauty that exists right on the border with India. Some of the most epic sights and waterfalls in Bangladesh include:

• Bisanakandi
• Panthumai Waterfall
• Mayabi Waterfall

To visit either Mayabi or Panthumai waterfalls, you can start by hiring a driver or finding a microbus to Gowainghat . Both waterfalls are close to each other, but the routes from here split in different ways.

Note that summertime/monsoon season is by far the best time to visit these waterfalls.

Everything you need to know about visiting the Mayabi Waterfall

The Mayabi, or locally known as the Songrampunji Waterfall, is an incredible local attraction only 20 minutes from Jaflong. It’s more of a cascade than a waterfall, but giant boulders and multiple streams and natural baths make it the perfect place to visit during the rainy season.

It is possible to take a local micro-bus to Gowainghat/Halderpar, a CNG or boat to Jaflong , and then hire a dinghy from there to Mayabi waterfall.

But to make it possible to visit multiple of the best waterfalls and attractions of the north of Bangladesh in one day with ample time, we recommend hiring a driver from Sylhet and leaving very early. You may also be able to rent a car yourself.

If you do choose to use public transportation, these are the approximate costs from Sylhet to the Mayabi / Songrampunji Waterfall:

• Bus from Sylhet to Gowainghat: 80-100 Taka
• CNG from Gowainghat to Jaflong: 1500-2000 Taka
• Dinghy from Jaflong to Mayabi Waterfall: 100-200 Taka (or there’s a ferry for 20 Taka)

In any case, you’ll still need to take a dinghy/boat from Jaflong to see and swim in the Mayabi waterfall.

Everything you need to know about visiting the Panthumai Waterfall

Known locally as Fatachhari Jharna , the Panthumai waterfall thunders in a gorgeous, green, serene corner of this amazing country. Though the waterfall technically is in India, it’s best viewed from the Bangladeshi side.

The village itself, pronounced ‘Pangthumai’, is one of the most beautiful villages in all of Bangladesh. Even without the waterfall, it would be worth visiting – but the waterfall is icing on the cake.

From Jaflong to Panthumai takes about an hour by CNG, and only about 30 minutes from Gowainghat, so it is possible to see both Panthumai and Mayabi waterfalls in one day.

Once in the village of Pangthumai, you can hire a dinghy for about a hundred taka and get up close and personal with this multi-hundred foot beast, or just enjoy it from the river banks. Or for an even more unique experience, keep reading.

A unique, amazing, and authentic river experience: riding a dinghy along the river Piyain down to Bisanakandi

For the ultimate fun experience from here, hire a boat/dinghy near Panthumai waterfall (maybe the same one you took here!) and ride along the branch of the Piyain river towards Bisankandi. The boat ride floats along this magnificent river downstream of the majestic and huge waterfall.

Bisanakandi is a serene, peaceful town on the border with India. It’s a gorgeous land of mountains, gardens, and tea. It’s recommended to visit Bisanakandi in the summer when the fields are flooded to see it in its true beauty.

One thing to note is there isn’t much food here, so pack correspondingly (or eat lunch while in Pangthumai). Have your driver meet you there to continue the rest of the voyage, or hire a CNG and head back to Gowainghat.

Lala Khal: a hidden gem in Bangladesh

Visiting both the Panthumai and Mayabi waterfalls will consume most of your day, but if you have extra time and energy, it’s worth heading to Lala Khal for the true Bangladeshi experience. There are wonderful hotels and homestays in the area that local tourists love to frequent here.

Surrounded by hills, tea gardens, natural forests, and rivers, Lala Khal is truly a hidden gem. This channel itself magically consists of aquamarine water, and the nearby Lalakhal Tea Garden is actually the oldest and one of the most beautiful tea gardens in Bangladesh.

As opposed to the Panthyumai and Mayabi waterfalls that are best seen in the summer, Lala Khal is actually best to visit in the winter. So if you’re here outside of monsoon season, you could consider skipping those and heading straight to Lala Khal.

It is possible to spend the night in Lala Khal to continue this off-the-beaten path, incredible Bangladeshi experience. There are awesome homestays all around.

Day 6: Witnessing the diversity of natural beauty in Bangladesh by visiting insanely beautiful beaches

Perhaps (and for good reason) the most touristic place in Bangladesh, Cox’s Bazar offers ridiculously long, beautiful beaches, a fascinating historical monastery, waterfalls, sea turtles, rainforests, and so much more.

This is a fantastic way to see just how much diversity Bangladesh has to offer.

Flying from Sylhet to Cox’s Bazar

Biman Bangladesh Airlines offers direct flights from Sylhet to Cox’s Bazar 3 times a week – usually Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. On other days, you can easily find connecting flights.

If you decided to stay the night near Lala Khal, it’s still possible to leave very early today, hire a driver, and make it in time for the direct fly from Sylhet to Cox’s Bazar. The flight leaves at 950AM, and security/checkin hardly takes long at Osmani International Airport.

What to see in Cox’s Bazar

First and foremost, the main attraction in Cox’s Bazar is often termed the “ longest natural unbroken sea beach ” in the world – with a length of 155 km (96 mi).

That’s a pretty cool way to start.

After that, there’s the 100 Feet Lying Statue of Gautama Buddha. Pretty cool for instagram.

Then there are two islands: Sonadia and St Martin , both places you can frequent green sea turtles (and 4 other species!) nesting, hatching, and swimming during different parts of the year. You can find tours here .

At St Martin Island, the green sea turtles are usually spotted during winter. Whereas at Sonadia Island, you can usually spot them during September-October. 

Lastly, the Himchari National Park offers “55 species of mammals, 13 species of amphibians, 56 species of reptiles, 117 species of plants, and 286 species of different kinds of birds”, and a waterfall (according to the Bangladeshi government ).

Optional Extra 2-3 Day Ultimate Deep Bangladesh Exploration Trip: Rainforest & Huge Waterfall + Tribal Experience

There’s an epic, truly off-the-beaten-path experience you can do from either Cox’s Bazar. It involves trekking, boating across rough waters, staying in a tribal home, and a deep-jungle massive waterfall. Basically, it goes:

• Take a bus from Cox’s Bazar to Bandarban
• Ride a jeep (public or private) from Bandarban to Thanchi Upazilla
• Hire a tour guide (mandatory – national park) and take a 4 hour rough boat ride to Remakri
• Stay in a tribal house at Remakri
• Wake up at 5AM for a 2.5 hour hike to Nafakhum
• Enjoy the absolutely magnificent Amiakhum Waterfall
• Head all the way back in one day.

You can find all the pertinent information here .

If you complete this expedition, do it after visiting Cox’s Bazar so you can head directly to Chattogram to finish the trip.

Best Hotels in Cox’s Bazar

Taking the top spot for best hotel in Cox’s Bazar is by far the Sayeman Beach Resort .

This 4-star hotel has an incredible location on the longest natural beach in the world, awesome service and amenities, and a great restaurant.

If you’re looking for a comparable but more affordable hotel in Cox’s Bazar, check out the Long Beach Hotel .

Day 7: Chattogram, Textiles, Shipwrecks, and Flying Home

Chattogram (also known as Chittagong) is a wonderful place to end an amazing adventure exploring the true hidden gem of Bangladesh. Just like in Dhaka, there’s a ton of history and heritage dating back to the Mughal era.

If your flight leaves early on Day 7, I’d consider making your way to Chattogram by private transfer from Cox’s Bazar either late the previous night or early in the morning. Cox’s Bazar offers much more to see for tourists than Chattogram/Chittagong.

Alternately, if your flight home leaves from Dhaka, you can elect to take a direct flight back to Dhaka from Cox’s Bazar. These are plentiful. There are also buses, but these take about 12 hours.

Getting from Cox’s Bazar to Chattogram/Chittagong

There are tons of buses available from Cox’s Bazar to Chittagong, most of which take about 5 hours . Prices vary from 300 to 2200 Taka depending on quality of the bus and seats, air conditioning, and class.

You can also arrange private transfer, but this will likely cost upwards of 10000 Taka.

What to see in Chittagong

Nestled along the beautiful Karnaphuli river, Chittagong is a massive historical shipping port dating back even to the Greek era. There’s a ton of history and nature to visit here before catching your flight, if you have time. These include:

• The Chittagong War Cemetery
• An Ethnological Museum, the only in Bangladesh
• The Zia Memorial Museum, highlighting the history of assassinated President Ziaur Rahman
• An incredibly beautiful, colorful mosque – Chandanpura Masjid
• Andarkilla Shahi Jame Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque with a library
• Foy’s Lake, which is gorgeous
• A massive shipwreck beach outside the city

If you plan to stay in Chittagong a couple days, you could also visit:

• The beautiful Khoiyachara Waterfall
• Chimbuk Hill and its incredible hiking paths
• The town of Rangamati, nestled on Lake Kaptai, a swimmable, massive, gorgeous lake with tons of attractions
• Shuvolong Waterfalls, only a boat ride away from Rangmati
• The Sangu River, where you can have an amazing time rafting

Conclusion: Bangladesh is the ultimate surprise of a hidden gem

It’s a true pity that Bangladesh is one of the least-visited countries for tourists in the world. It deserves far more.

You can get around the country quite easily and efficiently.

There are so many wonders and beautiful sights. Waterfalls, rivers, mosques, jungles, tea plantations, markets, beaches, friendly locals. It checks all the boxes.

And last but not least, it’s an inexpensive place to visit, which means you can have an epic vacation without breaking the bank.

Bangladesh truly is an extraordinary place to spend at least one week exploring.

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Discoverybangladesh.com - The Bangladesh Travel Guide

Bangladesh is one of the few countries in South Asia, which remains to be explored. Bangladesh has a delicate and distinctive attraction of its own to offer and it is definitely not a tourist haunt like Nepal or India. Bangladesh is like a painter's dream come true with a rich tapestry of colors and texture. The traditional emphasis of the tourist trade has always been on the material facilities offered by a country rather than on its actual charms. This may be a reason why Bangladesh has seldom been highlighted in the World's tourist maps.

It's a land of enormous beauty , hundreds of serpentine rivers, crystal clear water lakes surrounded by ever green hills, luxuriant tropical rain forests, beautiful cascades of green tea gardens, world's largest mangrove forest preserved as World Heritage, home of the Royal Bengal Tiger and the wild lives, warbling of birds in green trees, wind in the paddy fields, abundance of sunshine, world's longest natural sea beach, rich cultural heritage, relics of ancient Buddhist civilizations and colorful tribal lives, - Bangladesh creates an unforgettable impression of a land of peace.

You'll appreciate our culture and the environment. These are not simply sight-seeing excursions, but real-time learning experiences. Enjoy an ideal blend of adventure and exploration with comfort and relaxation. Here you find that you are not alone. With us, any place in Bangladesh is a home away from home.

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World Heritage Site, Historical & Archaeological Tour Bangladesh

Dhaka City Tour - Sight Seeing Tour to Capital City of Bangladesh

River Cruise on Shitalakhya River Near Dhaka

Explore Sundarbans - Home of The Royal Bengal Tiger

Trip to Rangamati and Bandarban Hill Tracks

Tour to Sylhet & Srimongol - The Picture of Nature!

Beach Tour Packages - Explore Cox's Bazar and St Martin's Island

Discover Rangamati

Discover Bandarban (Hill Tour / Adventure Tour / Nature Tour)

Tour To Cox's Bazar

Tour To St. Martins Island

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The Second Largest City Of Bangladesh

Chattogram, the second largest city of Bangladesh and a busy international seaport ...

Sylhet & Srimongol - The picture of nature!

Sylhet is a prime attraction for all tourists visiting Bangladesh. Laying between the ...

Home of the Royal Bengal Tiger

The Sundarbans are the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching ...

Kuakata - Daughter of the Sea

Kuakata, locally known as Sagar Kannya (Daughter of the Sea) is a rare scenic beauty ...

Hill Tracts & Lakes - Rangamati

Decidedly untypical of Bangladesh in topography and culture, the Chattogram Hill Tracts ...

Dhaka -The Capital of Bangladesh

The capital city Dhaka predominantly was a city of the Mughals. In hundred years of their vigorous rule successive ...

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Wander-Lush

15 of the Most Beautiful Places in Bangladesh

Bangladesh might be one of the world’s least-visited countries but that certainly doesn’t mean this south Asian nation is lacking in beauty.

The country is brimming with fascinating archaeological sites that reveal tales of ancient Bengal cities, mosques, Hindu temples and Buddhist viharas . From the treasures of Old Dhaka to the vast expanses of tea country, water-bound villages painted with lilies to the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the world’s longest sea beach, there are beautiful natural and urban landscapes around every corner.

Here are 15 of the most beautiful places in Bangladesh to visit – my own personal Bangladesh wish list!

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

15 of the most beautiful places in Bangladesh

Did I miss your favourite place in my research? Let me know in the comments below.

1. Sonargaon

Situated in central Bangladesh, the historic city of Sonargaon is one of the old capitals of Bengal and an important river port.

Famous for khasa , a cotton-based cloth prized for being of the finest quality, Sonargaon was once the centre of muslin production and textile manufacturing. However, it is the hauntingly-beautiful ruins of Panam City (known previously as Panam Nagar) that now attract visitors from around the world.

What was once the textile trading hub of the 19th century is now mostly abandoned after fires razed this thriving city to the ground. It is not known with certainty why Panam was consumed so quickly by the fires (or what started the fires in the first place), but unfortunately only a mere 52 buildings remain. Mughal monuments and fine examples of British colonial architecture retain a certain kind of haunting beauty.

There are rumours that Panam’s last remaining residents fled due to the area being haunted, leaving the old city in a fully-abandoned state. Thus the once-bustling town has been nicknamed by locals as ‘City of the Dead’ or ‘Ghost City’.

Located in the country’s far northeastern corner, Sylhet city is considered one of Bangladesh’s most important spiritual and cultural centres. The stomping ground of folk poets and chai merchants, Sylhet is also associated with verdant tea fields.

The Surma River cuts through the centre of the city, with the iconic 19th-century Ali Amjad Clock overlooking the northern bank. Beyond the river and bridges, beautiful mosques dot the skyline, with the 14th-century saint Hazrat Shah Jalal being one of the most important pilgrimage sites.

The Malnicherra Tea Estate and national parks to the north give the city a perennially green backdrop. Quite incredibly, Sylhet is responsible for producing the largest amount of tea in the country.

3. Old Dhaka

Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital city, is a thronging metropolis infamous for its traffic jams and swarming sidewalks. Its urban landscape is fascinating: modern masterpieces such as Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban , Bangladesh’s assembly building that was designed by Louis Kahn in 1982, throw the architecture in the oldest part of the city into even sharper contrast.

Old Dhaka is the most beautiful part of the city. It’s home to countless heritage gems including the Mughal-era Lalbagh Fort, the 12th-century Hindu temple Dhakeshwari Mandir, and the pretty pink Ahsan Manzil Museum.

Other key landmarks in Old Dhaka including Northbrook Hall (pictured), Ahsan Manzil, Ruplal House (a dilapidated merchant’s mansion) and the Church of the Holy Resurrection ( an Armenian Apostolic church ) tell the story of a storied metropolis with a far-ranging history and diverse cultural makeup.

4. Satkhira

Located southwest of Bangladesh on the west Bengal and Indian border lies the district of Satkhira. It is a conglomerate of little islands formed by criss-crossing rivers and it is well known for its pottery, bamboo and cane weaving, shrimp, and leather exports.

Satkhira is also famous for its Sundarbans, which house the world’s largest tidal halophytic mangrove forests. One of Sakkhira’s most iconic sites is the Tetulia Jami Mosque in the village of Tetulia. Built in a Mughal style in 1858-59, it features six splendid domes and minarets that reach high above the treeline.

5. Sundarbans National Park

Part of the Sundarbans on the Ganges Delta and home to one of the largest Bengal tiger reserves, Sundarbans National Park is one of the most naturally productive biological ecosystems on earth. Furthermore, Sundarbans is the largest area of mangrove forest globally and the only one inhabited by tigers.

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Sundarbans, which means ‘beautiful forest’ in the local Bengali dialect, also plays an important role as a storm barrier and shore stabiliser.

There are a variety of things to see and do within the park including wildlife tourism, visiting the Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower, Mangrove Eco Garden, and the Sangha Temple. This beautiful natural wonder in Bangladesh is guaranteed to take your breath away.

6. Sreemangal

Home to more than 163 tea plantations and widely known as tea country, Sreemangal is famous for its tea gardens. Tea lovers can take tours of the plantations or even cycle around the gardens.

If you thought that tea was the only thing this beautiful place offers, think again. The Manipuri tribal village is great for a cultural experience and offers the chance to taste the local’s favourite drinks, known as the seven layers of tea.

Nature lovers can take a trip through the Rema Kalenga reserve forest, full of endangered species, or trek through the Lawachara rainforest, one of the last tropical rainforests in Bangladesh. No matter what activity you choose, your Sreemangal visit is sure to hold a place in your heart.

7. Keokradong

Known as one of the cloudiest places in Bandarban and a mountaineers’ paradise, Keokradong is the third-highest peak in Bangladesh. It offers two different hiking routes, both of which end up at the same small shelter.

It’s said that the signboard next to the hut was installed by the Bangladesh Army, proclaiming Keokradong to have a height of 967 metres at its summit. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the remote communities who reside on either side of the mountain.

8. Cox’s Bazar

In the southeastern part of Bangladesh lies the fishing port city of Cox’s Bazar. Best known for sandy shores and seafood, Cox’s Bazar can claim the longest sea beach in the world at 120 kilometres (74.5 miles).

The seemingly never-ending stretch of sand runs into the horizon, dotted with moon-shaped Sampan boats, giving Bangladesh one of its most impressive landscapes. Horse riding on the beach, parasailing, water biking and much more are available.

From visiting the third-largest Buddha in the world at 100 feet long to an overnight stay at the beautiful Mermaid Beach Resort , Cox’s Bazar is an absolute must when visiting Bangladesh.

9. St. Martin’s Island

Better known as Narikel Zinzira, which means ‘coconut island’ in Bengali dialect, this is a small island in the southernmost part of Bangladesh. At only 8-square-kilometres, St. Martin’s Island might be small but it’s not insignificant: this is the only coral reef island in Bangladesh.

You can easily make a round trip of the island on foot in a day. Although the island has been without electricity since a devastating hurricane in 1991, the town survives on generators until 11pm.

St. Martin’s comes to life during the day with water sports, beach parties and twilight bonfires. Stay in a resort or camp on the beach and treat yourself to fresh coconuts and crab.

10. Barisal

One of the oldest river ports in the country, Barisal – sometimes called the ‘Venice of Bengal’ – is fast becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bangladesh. Monsoon season between March and November is the best time to visit this corner of the country, where one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the region takes place.

This is waterlily ( shapla ) season in the village of Satla, when the national flower of Bangladesh grows in abundance. The carpet of pink flowers blooms on the village canal and over 10,000 acres of village wetlands.

Not only are the lilies a beautiful sight, they are also extremely important to local culture and the economy. Around 70% of Satla’s residents work in lily cultivation. The stems are used in many traditional Bengali dishes, and have medicinal uses too.

11. Puthia Temple Complex

Within the Rajshahi district of Bangladesh lies the culturally-rich town of Puthia. It’s home to the breathtaking Puthia Temple Complex, which holds the largest number of temples in Bangladesh within its boundaries.

All were built by Hindu Zamindars Rajas of the Puthia Raj family, who were Rajshahi’s renowned philanthropists at the time. Of all the structures in Puthia, 13 temples and one palace have been declared protected monuments.

If you have a keen interest in architecture or simply enjoy immersing yourself in history, then the Puthia Temple Complex is definitely a must-visit.

12. Rangamati

Rangamati, home of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, is a town In the southeastern part of Bangladesh on the western bank of Kaptai lake. The man-made lake was created in 1960 and today, boat cruises are one of the most enjoyable ways to explore this area’s scenic beauty.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts is made up of rolling mountains and inhabited by 13 indigenous tribes including the Mongolian Chakma, Tipra, Murong, and Magh, each of whom have their own culture . Alongside weaving factories and craft markets , the most sought-after attractions are the Chakma King House and Bonorupa, the largest tribal floating market.

13. Dinajpur

Lying on the Punarbhaba River, Dinajpur is the largest of the 16 districts in northern Bangladesh and a region that is well known for its architectural heritage. Besides being home to the famous Kantanagar Temple (Kantajir Temple), built in 1752 out of baked bricks with terracotta panels, Dinajpur is also an important area for crop cultivation, including rice, wheat, jute, and sugarcane.

The variety of attractions here is endless, as well as diverse, but some of the most popular spots are the Kantajew Temple, Ramsagar National Park, Shopnopuri Amusement Park, Nayabad Mosque, and the Goddess Kali Temple.

14. Paharpur

With the rise of a new form of Buddhism, Paharpur became one of the most significant intellectual centres in the region. Located in the northwest corner of Bangladesh, Paharpur is reputed to be the second-largest Buddhist monastery south of the Himalayas, with the Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara dating back to the 8th century.

It has been said that the main temple of Paharpur was used as an inspiration for some of the greatest Buddhist monuments across southeastern Asia, including the Temples of Angkor in Cambodia .

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and formerly known as Somapura Mahavihara, the Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the country and is commonly cited as a key example of pre-Islamic Bangladeshi architecture.

15. Bagerhat

The historical town of Bagerhat, an inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, is situated in southwestern Bangladesh. Lying at the confluence of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, the ancient town known as ‘the Mosque City of Bagerhat’ is this area’s most beautiful attraction.

Formerly known as Khalifatabad, this city holds 360 mosques as well as mausoleums, bridges, water tanks, roads, and public buildings – all built from baked bricks covered in terracotta artwork and arabesque designs.

From admiring the 60 domed mosques and the Singair Masjid, to visiting the Bagerhat Museum where you can learn about the legend of Khan Jahan Ali Dighi, Bagerhat offers one of the most beautiful cultural experiences for any traveller.

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Thanks to share this place where i want to visit one of time. Every place is so good and more entertainable. Thanks to say again for help me.

During my recent trip to Bandarban, I had the pleasure of staying at the Labah Tong hill resort and restaurant. In my opinion, it was the best resort in the area, boasting not only breathtaking views but also a friendly and helpful staff. The resort’s interior design was also impressive, adding to the overall ambiance of the place. I would highly recommend a visit to Labah Tong to anyone looking for a refreshing getaway.

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17 Best places to visit in Bangladesh you can’t miss

A comprehensive list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh you can’t miss on your trip for a memorable experience of the country.

According to World Bank, Bangladesh is the least touristy destination in the world . It is a beautiful country in South Asia bordering India and Myanmar. Tourism is yet to develop in this country. For that reason, there is no tourism-related scam here, and people are generally surprised to see tourists, especially in the rural areas outside Dhaka, the capital city.

People welcome foreigners everywhere and try to help them in any way possible. Tourist sites are not overcrowded here yet. You’ll find very few tourists here during your visit. That is why it is the best time to travel to Bangladesh. Here you will find a list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh , which you should not miss on your trip for a memorable experience.

You can read some recent Bangladesh experiences of the western travelers and what travelers say about their Bangladesh experience with us and be surprised!

Table of Contents

• Sundarban Mangrove Forest
• Cox’s Bazar
• Gauda / Gour
• St. Martin’s Island

Visiting Bangladesh

Best places to visit in bangladesh.

If you’re searching for the best places to visit in Bangladesh, get ready to be amazed by the country’s abundance of hidden treasures. With stunning natural marvels and culturally vibrant cities, Bangladesh provides an eclectic mix of locations that will enthrall any traveler. This comprehensive guide is perfect for curious adventurers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike, as it will direct you to the most extraordinary and fascinating places to visit in Bangladesh.

A Bengal tiger in Sundarban Mangrove Forest. © Photo Credit: Alistair McKinley.

1. Sundarban Mangrove Forest Best place to visit in Bangladesh for wildlife

The Sundarban is the largest mangrove forest in the world and one of the wildest, least-known environments in southern Asia. Located in the delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal, the Sundarban extends over 10,000 sq km. Two-thirds of the Sundarban is located in Bangladesh, and the rest is in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and designated a wetland site of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

The Sundarban is the home of 104 Royal Bengal Tigers, 30,000 spotted deer, 35 species of reptiles (including giant cobras and pythons and eight species of amphibians), 300 species of birds, 120 species of fish, 42 species of mammals, numerous river dolphins, wild boars, claw-less otters, monkeys, and salt-water crocodiles together with many other species of wildlife.

Hundreds of rivers, creeks, and canals are the veins of the forest, making it a pristine environment. The environment of Sundarban is tranquilizing, and visiting this forest could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sundarban is number one on our list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Visiting Sundarban Mangrove Forest

You can book our small group Sundarban tour packages for a memorable experience of the Sundarban Mangrove Forest.

More Reading

• 8 Top things to do in Sundarban for a great experience of the forest .

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A Mro family in Bandarban in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

2. Bandarban Best place to visit in Bangladesh for tribal life

Bandarban in the Chittagong Hill Tracts area is a naturally beautiful place full of beautiful hills. This is the only hilly region in Bangladesh, home to many tribal groups of the country. This is the best place in Bangladesh for adventure travel. Trekking through its hills, visiting different tribal villages and bazaars, and experiencing their lifestyle are the major attractions of Bandarban.

The most beautiful river in Bangladesh, Sangu, is located in Bandarban. It is the only hilly river in the country. A boat ride on the river Sangu in the afternoon would be a remarkable memory of Bandarban. Bandarban is number two on our list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Visiting Bandarban

Foreigners require a special permit from the government to visit Bandarban, which is only possible to get by traveling with a government-listed tour operator, like us. Tour operators must keep close contact with the law-enforcement agencies during the visit of any foreigner. They will be the tour operators’ responsibility during the stay in Bandarban. Also, the government limited the area where foreigners could go inside Bandarban.

You can book our 4-day Chittagong Hill Tracts Tour , 7-day Exploring Chittagong Tour , 18-day Best of Bangladesh , or 28-day Discover Bangladesh tour to visit Bandarban. All of these tours include getting the foreigner’s permit to visit Bandarban.

• 11 Major tribes (ethnic/indigenous groups) of Bangladesh and their culture .

A fishing port in Cox’s Bazar. © Photo Credit: Pongtharin Tanthasindhu.

3. Cox’s Bazar One of the best places to visit in Bangladesh for beach holidays

Cox’s Bazar is the longest unbroken sandy beach in the world, 125 km in length. It is the most popular tourist spot among the locals in Bangladesh. Perfect place to relax at the end of a long trip. To avoid the crowd, stay at a resort with a private beach. The Wholesale Fish Market in Cox’s Bazar would be an interesting place to visit while you are here. Cox’s Bazar is number three on our list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Visiting Cox’s Bazar

You can book our 7-day Exploring Chittagong or 28-day Discover Bangladesh tour to visit Cox’s Bazar.

Tea workers at Sreemangal returning home at the end of the day. © Photo Credit: Raw Hasan.

4. Sreemangal One of the top places to visit in Bangladesh for nature

Sreemangal is the tea capital of Bangladesh, located in the northeastern part of the country. You’ll find lush green tea plantations anywhere you go here. This is one of the few places in the country where if you look around, you may not find any other people anywhere except you—a nice and calm place.

Walking through the trails inside the tea plantations here could be one of the best things you can do in Bangladesh. Also worth visiting is the Lawachhara National Park and the villages of different tribes. You can easily spend a few days here with nature. Sreemangal is number four on our list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Visiting Sreemangal

You can book our Sreemangal Day Tour , 2-day Sreemangal Overnight Tour , 3-day Sreemangal Leisure Tour , 11-day Highlights of Bangladesh , 14-day Glories of Bangladesh , 16-day Raas Festival Tour , 18-day Best of Bangladesh , or 28-day Discover Bangladesh tour to visit the attractions of Sreemangal.

A floating vegetable market of Barisal. © Photo Credit: Raw Hasan.

5. Barisal One of the best places to visit in Bangladesh for experiencing life

Barisal is a unique place located in the heart of the Ganges Delta. Life in Barisal is entirely based on the river. The main attraction of visiting Barisal is to experience the unique life and culture of the people of this region. You can see its many floating markets, bazaars, schools, and villages to experience the unique culture of Barisal. Monsoon is the best time to visit this region when its numerous rivers and canals become full of water and nature becomes very green. Also, it is time for the floating guava markets, which are very photogenic. Barisal is number five on our list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Visiting Barisal

You can book our 3-day Barisal Backwaters Tour or 28-day Discover Bangladesh tour to visit the attractions of Barisal.

Choto Sona Masjid (Mosque) in Gaur (Gauda / Gour). © Photo Credit: Raw Hasan.

6. Gauda / Gour One of the best places to visit in Bangladesh for archaeology

Gaur or Gauda is a ruined city from the ancient and medieval period, located on the India-Bangladesh border. The city was in its prime time from the 12th to the 14th century. It became the capital of the whole of Bengal. It was a vibrant and wealthy city in the medieval period, which was finally abandoned because of cholera.

Some of the beautiful mosques of Gaur are still remaining hidden behind the mango orchards. The archaeological department of Bangladesh has done some excellent restoration work to some of these mosques. This is a fantastic place to visit for history lovers. Gaur is number six on our list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Visiting Gaur

You can book our 4-day Exploring Rajshahi , 6-day Discover Rajshahi , or 28-day Discover Bangladesh tour to visit the attractions of Gaur.

• Gaur (Gauda / Gour): The rich ancient capital of Bengal located on the India-Bangladesh border .

Kaptai lake in Rangamati. © Photo Credit: Simon Roozendaal.

7. Rangamati One of the best places to visit in Bangladesh for nature

Rangamti is a district of the Chittagong Hill-Tracts area. The main reason to visit this place is Kaptai Lake. It is a naturally beautiful artificial lake surrounded by beautiful hills. The best thing to do at Rangamati is to enjoy a boat ride on Kaptai Lake for the whole day. Rangamati is also home to many tribal groups. You can visit their handicraft market to buy some fine quality handmade fabrics. There is a Buddhist monastery called Rajban Bihara, which is also worth visiting. Rangamati is number seven on our list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Visiting Rangamati

You can book our 4-day Chittagong Hill Tracts Tour , 7-day Exploring Chittagong Tour , 18-day Best of Bangladesh , or 28-day Discover Bangladesh tour to visit Bandarban. All of these tours include getting the foreigner’s permit to visit Rangamati.

Dilapidating temples at Puthia Temple Complex in Rajshahi. © Photo Credit: Raw Hasan.

Puthia is a small village in Rajshahi full of beautiful Hindu temples. The largest number of historical temples in Bangladesh are found in Puthia, some of which are well maintained. These temples are unique in design. Some of them are ornamented with beautiful terracotta plaques describing epic Hindu stories. This is a must-visiting place if you visit Bangladesh. Puthia is number eight on our list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Visiting Puthia

You can book our 3-day Best of Rajshahi , 4-day Exploring Rajshahi , 6-day Discover Rajshahi , 14-day Glories of Bangladesh , 18-day Best of Bangladesh , or 28-day Discover Bangladesh tour to visit the attractions of Puthia.

• Puthia Temple Complex: A village full of historic Hindu temples in Bangladesh .

Kantajew Temple – a stunning Hindu temple in Dinajpur. © Photo Credit: Raw Hasan.

9. Dinajpur

The most beautiful Hindu temple in Bangladesh, Kantajew Temple, is the main attraction of Dinajpur, a remote district in north-western Bangladesh. Built at the beginning of the 18th century by the maharaja (feudal landlord) of Dinajpur, every inch of this temple is wrapped in stunning terracotta plaques describing epic Hindu stories and life in the 18th century.

Another attraction of Dinajpur is the nearby Nayabad Mosque, a small Mughal period mosque built in 1793 AD. The locals believe that the Muslim architectural workers of Kantajew Temple built this mosque for their use. The mosque is located just 1.5km southwest of the temple.

Also worth visiting is a school made of mud and bamboo designed by a German architect, which received the Agha Khan Award for Architecture. Dinajpur is number nine on our list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Visiting Dinajpur

You can book our Kantajew Temple Day tour to visit all these places in Dinajpur with other attractions on a convenient day tour from Dhaka. Also, our 6-day Discover Rajshahi and 28-day Discover Bangladesh tour visit these places.

• Kantajew Temple: Bangladesh’s most beautiful Hindu temple wrapped in stunning terracotta .
• Nayabad Mosque: A tiny Mughal mosque in a remote village at Dinajpur in Bangladesh .

The hustle and bustle of megacity Dhaka. © Photo Credit: Raw Hasan.

10. Dhaka One of the best places to visit in Bangladesh for photography

Dhaka is a megacity and the capital of Bangladesh, located on the bank of the river Buriganga. It is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, home to 22 million people. The main attraction of Dhaka is its hustle and bustle, a paradise for street photographers. Walking on the backstreets of Old Dhaka, visiting its many busy bazaars, and enjoying a boat ride on Buriganga would be some of the great experiences travelers can have in Dhaka city.

Dhaka has a rich history of civilization, starting from the 7th century. It first became a capital city during the rule of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. In 1610, the newly appointed Mughal governor Islam Khan of the Bengal subah transferred the capital from Rajmahal in the current day Jharkhand state of India to Dhaka.

Dhaka was also an important city under British colonial rule for 200 years afterward. It has many archaeological sites from the Mughal and British periods that are major tourist attractions. Ahsan Manzil, Lalbagh Fort, Star Mosque, Dhakeshwari Temple, and Armenian Church are a few. Dhaka is number ten on our list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Visiting Dhaka

You can book our Dhaka City Tour to visit the major attractions of both the New and Old Dhaka conveniently on a day tour, including a boat ride on Buriganga and walking on the backstreets of Old Dhaka. Also can book our Dhaka Photography Tour to visit some interesting bazaars and backstreets of the city and get numerous photo opportunities.

• 13 Places to visit in Dhaka not to miss on first trip .
• 7 Best things to do in Dhaka for the ultimate experience .

People collecting sand from the riverbed in Jaflong. © Photo Credit: Raw Hasan.

11. Sylhet One of the best places to visit in Bangladesh for nature

Sylhet is a naturally beautiful place in northeastern Bangladesh, close to the Meghalaya state of India. It has many lovely places to visit. Green-water canal Lalakhal, stone collecting area Jaflong, Ratargul swamp forest and many of its tea gardens are the attractions to visit Sylhet. You can also meet some tribal people in Sylhet, especially in Jaflong. Here you can meet the Khasia tribal people who grow betel leaves in the forest. Sylhet is number eleven on our list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Visiting Sylhet

You can book our Sylhet & Sreemangal tour packages to visit the attractions of Sylhet.

• Jaflong: A popular tourist site in Bangladesh with unique photo opportunities .

Somapura Mahabihara, a massive Buddhist monastery from the 8th century. © Photo Credit: Karen Fraser.

12. Paharpur One of the best places to visit in Bangladesh for archaeology

In the north-western part of Bangladesh, there is a tiny little place called Paharpur, which holds the most impressive archeological site in Bangladesh called Somapura Mahabhihara, a UNESCO world heritage site. It was the second-largest Buddhist monastery south of the Himalayas in the 8th century. In its prime time, monks worldwide came here for higher education. It was one of the best Buddhist monasteries in the world at that time. Paharpur is number twelve on our list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Visiting Paharpur

You can book our 3-day Best of Rajshahi , 4-day Exploring Rajshahi , 6-day Discover Rajshahi , 14-day Glories of Bangladesh , 18-day Best of Bangladesh , or 28-day Discover Bangladesh tour to visit Paharpur.

Sixty Dome Mosque (Shat Gombuj Mosque) at Bagerhat City. © Photo Credit: Daniel Whitfield.

13. Bagerhat One of the best places to visit in Bangladesh for archaeology

Bagerhat is a city founded in the 15th century by a Turkish general, which was formerly known as Khalifatabad. It is full of beautiful historic mosques, among which 60 Dome Mosque is the most famous. This whole city is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. The historic city, listed by Forbes as one of the 15 lost cities of the world, has more than 50 Islamic monuments that have been found after removing the vegetation that had obscured them from view for many centuries. Bagerhat is number thirteen on our list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Visiting Bagerhat

You can book our 4-day Bagerhat & Sundarban Tour , 5-day Dhaka, Bagerhat & Sundarban Tour , 8-day Sundarban Safari , 11-day Highlights of Bangladesh , 14-day Glories of Bangladesh , 16-day Raas Festival Tour , 18-day Best of Bangladesh , or 28-day Discover Bangladesh tour to visit the attractions of Bagerhat.

• Mosque City of Bagerhat: A Lost 15th-Century City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

The fishing port of Chittagong.

14. Chittagong

Chittagong is the second largest city in Bangladesh, located in the south-eastern part of the country. The largest seaport in Bangladesh is located here. The major attraction of Chittagong is fishing port of Chittagong. Set early in the morning and full of activities, this is an excellent place for photography. Chittagong is number fourteen on our list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Another attraction of Chittagong is the Commonwealth War Cemetery, established to honor Commonwealth soldiers and others who died in World War II. The British Army created the cemetery, and there were about 400 burials. Graves have since been transferred to this cemetery from other isolated sites, making the current number 731.

Visiting Chittagong

You can book our Exploring Chittagong Tour to visit the attractions of Chittagong.

Abandoned city Panam Nagar in Sonargaon. © Photo Credit: Raw Hasan.

15. Sonargaon One of the best places to visit in Bangladesh for culture

Sonargaon is a popular tourist destination near Dhaka. It was the old capital of Bengal in the medieval period – a mint capital beside Gaur or Gauda . Although the prime time of the ancient capital is gone, some interesting sites are still there to spend a whole day.

The main attraction of Sonargaon is the abandoned merchant city, Panam Nagar. Built in the early 19th century during British rule, this was a city of wealthy Hindu cotton merchants who fled to India during riots after the partition of the Indian sub-continent in 1947 and the Indo-Pak war in 1965. They intended to return someday, which never happened. Nowadays, this is an entirely abandoned city of 52 houses built on a single street, forming a ghost city and the main tourist attraction of Sonargaon.

Other attractions of Sonargaon are the Folk-arts and Crafts Museum, 16th-century Goaldi Mosque, the tomb of Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah, the 3rd independent sultan of Bengal in the 14th century, whose capital was Sonargaon, and the interesting sandbank islands of river Meghna. Sonargaon is number fifteen on our list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Visiting Sonargaon

You can book our Sonargaon & Panam City Tour to visit all the attractions of Sonargaon on a convenient day tour from Dhaka. Also can book any of our Bangladesh holiday packages , all of which include visiting Sonargaon.

• Panam Nagar: An entirely abandoned city of the wealthy Hindu cotton merchants in Bangladesh .
• Goaldi Mosque: The little-known pre-Mughal mosque in Sonargaon .
• Sonargaon Travel Guide: Visiting Museum and other attractions in the old capital .

A girl cycling at a beach on St. Martin’s Island in Bangladesh. © Photo Credit: Raw Hasan.

16. St. Martin’s Island One of the best places to visit in Bangladesh for island holiday

St. Martin’s Island is a beautiful coral island in the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh. For beach lovers, this is the best place to visit in Bangladesh. Local tourists go to visit this island mainly on a day trip. After they leave in the afternoon, it becomes tranquil. You can stay in any resort with a private beach and relax on the island for a couple of days when you are tired of traveling for several weeks in the country. St. Martin’s Island is number sixteen on our list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Visiting St. Martin’s Island

You can book our Chittagong & Cox’s Bazar region tours to visit St. Martin’s Island.

Historical Bagha Mosque in Rajshahi. © Photo Credit: Raw Hasan.

17. Bagha One of the best places to visit in Bangladesh for archaeology

Bagha is a village in north-western Bangladesh, 20 km away from the temple village of Puthia. The attraction of this place is Bagha Mosque, a pre-Mughal architecture in Bengal. Built in 1523-1524 by Sultan Nusrat Shah, son of Alauddin Shah, the founder of the Husain Shahi dynasty, Bagha Mosque is the most beautiful terracotta mosque in Bangladesh.

Unlike other historical mosques in Bangladesh, extensive terracotta work is present on this mosques’ inside and outside walls. It would be very convenient to combine a visit to Bagha with your visit to Puthia. Bagha is number seventeen on our list of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Visiting Bagha

You can book our 3-day Best of Rajshahi , 4-day Exploring Rajshahi , 6-day Discover Rajshahi , 14-day Glories of Bangladesh , 18-day Best of Bangladesh , or 28-day Discover Bangladesh tour to visit Bagha Mosque.

• 10 Most beautiful historical mosques in Bangladesh.

Planning to visit Bangladesh? We can help organize a memorable holiday in Bangladesh for you to experience the best of it. We are an award-winning local tour operator in Bangladesh specializing in organizing tours and holidays in Bangladesh for Western travelers, with 375+ reviews on TripAdvisor with an average rating of 5/5 . Check out our 1-7 days Bangladesh tour packages and 8-28 days Bangladesh holiday packages to see what we can organize for you in Bangladesh. Contact us now for your memorable Bangladesh holiday!

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• 17 Best places to visit in Bangladesh you can't miss on your holiday
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• 16 Top Bangladeshi food you must try on your visit
• 11 Major tribes (ethnic/indigenous groups) of Bangladesh and their culture
• 8 Top things to do in Sundarbans for a great experience of the forest
• 8 Top things to do in Sreemangal for the ultimate experience
• 10 Most impressive archaeological sites in Bangladesh you can't miss on your trip
• 10 Most beautiful historical mosques in Bangladesh
• Bangladesh Tourist Places: A full list of the best sights
• Lawachara National Park: A Guide to its diverse flora and fauna
• Puthia Temple Complex: A village full of historic Hindu temples in Bangladesh
• Kantajew Temple—The most beautiful terracotta temple in Bangladesh
• Gaur (Gauda / Gour): The rich ancient capital of Bengal located on the India-Bangladesh border
• Mosque City of Bagerhat: A Lost 15th-Century City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Panam Nagar: An entirely abandoned city of the wealthy Hindu cotton merchants in Bangladesh
• Sonargaon Travel Guide: Visiting Museum and other attractions in the old capital
• Jaflong: A popular tourist site in Bangladesh with unique photo opportunities
• Tajhat Palace: The finest Jamidar Bari in northern Bangladesh
• Mahasthangarh: Ruins of the oldest known city of Bengal from the 3rd century B.C.

Sundarban Safari

Bangladesh Photography Tour

Classic Bangladesh

Glories of Bangladesh

Raas Festival Tour

Express Bangladesh

I am the Owner & CEO of Nijhoom Tours, a multi-award winning local tour operator in Bangladesh specializing in organizing memorable holidays in Bangladesh for western travelers. Connect with me on Facebook or Mastodon , or join our Facebook group Let's Go To Bangladesh for updates and help about traveling to Bangladesh.

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I traveled through Bangladesh in 2015 and visited most places. I could found main highlights was the people of Bangladesh.

Wonderful breakdown of places to see and the experiences to expect! I hope to come to Bangladesh soon.

Please feel free to publish my post in your site. Thank you and very best wishes. JT

I traveled extensively through Bangladesh in 2013 and visited most places on your list as well as a few others. One of the main highlights for me could be found in every city, every village street, every single location. The People ! The welcome I received as a foreign tourist was absolutely spectacular, the people of Bangladesh could not have been more welcoming, polite, helpful, kind, compassionate, considerate, generous and thoughtful. Bangladesh is a spectacular destination and I would strongly recommend it to anyone considering it.

Thank you for the testimonial! Indeed it is the people of Bangladesh who are the main attraction of Bangladesh. Glad to know that you liked it here!

If you are interested, we can publish your Bangladesh travel story in our site, so that more people can know about Bangladesh, which is the least traveled destination in the world.

Comments are closed.

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Bangladesh Travel Guide

Untouched by mass tourism, Bangladesh offers diverse landscapes, heritage monuments and a warm and welcoming population.

Bangladesh might not top the list of the most visited countries in Asia, but therein lies its charm. You’ll discover cities and villages untouched by mass tourism, where you’ll be warmly welcomed. The country is known for its gorgeous rivers and backwaters, in particular the Sundarbans national park, an intricate network of mangroves and small tidal islands. A popular tourist activity is to take a boat trip around the park, searching for a glimpse of the elusive Bengal tiger. If you’re interested in exploring Bangladesh’s rivers further, take an indolent voyage on one of its heritage paddle steamers (known as ‘rockets’), which run from Barisal to Dhaka or Morrelganj.

In the east of the country lie the hilly regions of Sylhet and Chittagong, where you can hike among tea estates, forests and waterfalls. Meanwhile, Cox’s Bazar is the world’s longest natural sandy beach, stretching for 120 kilometres and home to a burgeoning surf scene.

For those looking for more urban encounters, the capital of Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, bursting at the seams with Mughal and Hindu landmarks, and a thriving arts and restaurant scene. A quieter alternative is Bagerhat, a UNESCO-designated open air museum of mosques and mausoleums beloved by history buffs.

Bangladesh is surrounded on both sides by India, and shares a small section of its border with Myanmar. Its cuisine is influenced by India (particularly the adjacent state of West Bengal) and also bears traces of Mughlai cuisine from its former Persian rulers. Travellers may recognise dishes from menus in western curry houses – such as curries cooked with the shatkora citrus, and bhuna curries – but there will still be plenty of new flavours. Popular dishes include ilish macher paturi (river fish marinated with mustard oil and chili, and steamed in a banana leaf) and haleem, a wheat and ground meat stew eaten during Ramadan. Make sure you grab a glass of the country’s famous seven-layered tea, invented by Romesh Ram Gour, each layer with a different taste.

While Bangladesh is predominantly a Muslim country, heritage monuments attest to the influence of Hindu culture. Its Chittagong region is home to Buddhist and Adivasi tribal groups. Wherever you visit you’ll receive a warm welcome, with the culture on display everywhere.

BANGLADESH TOURISM BOARD

Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) was established through the National Tourism Act in 2010 to help promote the tourism industry at home and abroad. Its vision: to make Bangladesh a popular tourist destination in Asia. Since inception, BTB has been working tirelessly with the government and other private stakeholders to achieve this goal. 

Outlook Travel spoke to Mohibul Islam, BTB’s Assistant Director, about how the organisation has fared over the past decade.

Q&A WITH MOHIBUL ISLAM, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, BANGLADESH TOURISM BOARD

What are your current goals?

Mohibul  Islam (MI):  Bangladesh Tourism Board is currently working to promote Bangladesh to the rest of the world, so that it emerges as a top destination in the eyes of the international tourist communities. To achieve this, it has many ambitions to expand and develop the sector. 

These include: providing advice, guidance and training to those involved with the tourism industry; ensuring the quality of tourism services and infrastructure; arranging for responsible tourism through advancing participation between the government, private sector, local communities and NGOS; promoting women’s participation in the tourism industry; and arranging training programmes for those in the sector.

How was the tourism industry in Bangladesh affected by COVID-19 and what are its plans for recovery?

MI: The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill, and tourism has been the worst affected of all major economic sectors. All the tourist destinations in the world have introduced restrictions in response to this pandemic.

On March 8, 2020, the first corona-infected patient was identified in Bangladesh. From March 26 to May 30, 2020, all tourist attractions, hotels, motels, resorts, restaurants, recreation centres, air, roads, railways and waterways were closed with the announcement of general holidays in the country. Domestic tourism has now been reopened under the guidance of SOP but outbound, inbound tourism is still closed. 

As a result, the outbound, inbound and domestic tourism of Bangladesh fell into a catastrophe; people from all walks of life associated with the tourism industry suffered. About four million tourism workers and at least 1.5 million dependents have been plunged into deep uncertainty. According to the information received from various sources, the loss in the travel and tourism sector in these three months from March to May amounted to 1487.02 crore ($175,700,000). 

BTB has developed a three-stage Tourism Recovery Plan. The first stage is crisis management and impact reduction, which includes a tourism support package, liquidity assistance to organisations in the industry, and protecting tourists to recover their loyalty. The second stage is to provide incentives for encouraging and accelerating recovery activities including visa-on-arrival for tourists, diversifying the market through new products and activities and creating employment opportunities for the future. The final stage of the plan involves preparing for the future, ensuring the resilience of the sector.

Are there any interesting projects in the pipeline you wish to highlight?

MI: Yes, we are currently working with an international consultancy firm, IPE Global Limited, to develop a Tourism Master Plan over the next 18 months. It will help with the government’s goal to develop Bangladesh as a middle-income country by the year 2021 and a developed economy by 2041.The plan will serve as the guidelines for ensuring sustainable development of tourism and a blueprint for the planned development of the tourist sites, utilising country’s tourism resources.  It will identify the opportunities and development of heritage and cultural tourism, agri-tourism, community-based tourism, eco-tourism in the protected areas of the country, and will also focus on infrastructure development.

Preparation of the Master Plan will ensure participation of all concerned departments, parties and entities so that they can agree on the common vision, policies, strategic directions, programs, proposed projects and implementation. The Master Plan will provide a clear road map for the sector over the next 25 years, with the focus on achieving incremental growth of tourism in Bangladesh.

Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Bangladesh?

MI: Land of never-ending waterways and some of the friendliest faces in the world, Bangladesh is arguably the last frontier of South East Asia. Travel in Bangladesh is offbeat travel at its best – you won’t find mass tourism here. Bangladesh is a raw country, fully charged with a unique energy that you won’t find in any other country throughout the world. An energy that you can only feel and understand by visiting the country. 

If you’re coming to Bangladesh, you cannot miss out on a trip to the Old Town in Dhaka, a melting pot of chaos, culture and crowds. A huge collection of traditional wares like Dhakai Jamdani, Tangail and crafting will give you the opportunity to make it happen. A strong hit of sights, sounds, and smells –an attack on all of the senses. And it’s awesome. Cox’s Bazar is home to the world’s longest unbroken stretch of sandy sea beach. 

Another superlative for Bangladesh; it is home to the world’s largest mangrove forest, famous for the Bengal tiger. Bangladesh is super friendly, super helpful, and super excited to see you. Its magical monuments, fascinating landscape and friendly people – Bangladesh has lots to offer. Discover history, culture and cuisine. Bangladesh is unique because of its simplicity. 

Bangladesh will be there for you till we meet again.

What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Bangladesh and how are you using them?

MI: With travellers’ desire for new experiences, the rapid global technological advancements, climate change, and other dynamics, the travel and tourism industry is constantly transforming. Having experienced an all-time high in the past decade, with 2018 recording the highest number of international tourist arrivals, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the sector is now undeniably faced with big challenges and uncomfortable changes in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. All the same, there are still rising tourism trends in Bangladesh that can help tour operators, Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), and other industry suppliers to revamp their businesses and experience success as we get into the new normal. 

Bleisure travel is a growing tourism trend whereby people of Bangladesh travelling for work or business include some leisure time at their destination. In Bangladesh there is also a growing trend among millennials known as the “digital nomad” phenomenon, whereby online workers and freelancers adopt a lifestyle of travelling as they work. Tour operators can take advantage of this growing trend by creating offers that entice business travellers to extend their stay for leisure. For example, you can sell team retreat packages combined with perks like photos, videos, and transportation. Having WIFI and chargers in buses and accommodation (for multi-day tours) can also entice digital nomads and other travellers looking to stay connected for work.

Automation, digitisation and mobile bookings are also growing trends, with more and more bookings made online. This has made advertising cheaper for travel companies, but also customers are enjoying and increasingly prefer the convenience it offers. Tour and activities companies have also progressively adopted technology and online booking. 

In Bangladesh, travellers believe that companies should personalise their buying experience and base it on their behaviours, personal preferences, and past choices. Personalisation is also important when it comes to the actual tour or activity. By offering flexible experiences that can be tailored to a traveller’s needs, you stand a chance of better satisfying your clients, and that can lead to repeat visits. Your priority should, therefore, be on offering customer-oriented services.

Sustainable tourism is increasingly important – in Bangladesh more travellers are adopting this mindset and making their travel decisions with the environment in mind. Carbon offsetting, for example, is becoming more popular in Bangladesh day by the day especially since travellers want to help mitigate the impact of the climate crisis. Tour companies can also support this mission by making small but significant adjustments. You can do away with single-use plastics or opt to only use solar for all your energy needs. But it’s important to note that sustainability is not only about the environment. It’s also about making a positive impact on cultures, economies, and the people at the destinations that clients visit.

Other trends include transformative travel, – making a difference to the lives on others and oneself – solo travel and wellness travel. Almost any business can take advantage of these trends. Think of how you can market your business offers while developing and promoting communities, making it clear how tourists and locals can benefit. Your existing offers may already allow people to empower themselves by learning a new skill set, which also encourages personal growth.

Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Bangladesh?

MI: Domestic tourism in our country has already been booming. We are trying our level best to attract foreign tourists to our lovely land. Bangladesh is almost an unexplored destination to the rest of the world.  The hospitable people, golden past and heritages, mouth-watering Bengali cuisine, adventurous hill tracts, lifestyle, calm and quiet villages, greenery landscape, amazing backwaters, enriched culture of our ethnic groups, the roar of the longest sandy sea beach and wildlife species from different forests like the Sundarbans will surely amaze tourists.  

Thanks to our innovative approach to promotion, I am strongly optimistic about the golden future of the tourism industry of Bangladesh.

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

For high-end boutique villas in a tropical forest…

DuSai Resort & Spa

For endless variety…

Share Trip  is Bangladesh’s first and leading travel aggregator, designed to make travel within the country easier and more competitive. A winner of multiple prizes at the World Travel Awards – including Bangladesh’s Leading Travel Agency – it has succeeded in its mission to become a one-stop shop for travel in Bangladesh. Travellers can book flights, hotels and apply for visas online. They can also choose from a series of tours to landmarks within the country. The site has a comprehensive cancellation policy and places a strong emphasis on customer care.

For unique sustainable tours…

Bangladesh Eco Adventure

For authentic cooking classes…

The Travelling Spoon

For high-end urban accommodation…

Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden

DHAKA IN FOCUS

Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka is one of the world’s most densely populated cities, and the noise and crowds can prove overwhelming for first-time visitors. But stick around and you’ll discover some attractive monuments, an endless variety of restaurants and an unrivalled arts scene.

The city is at its best in the relatively cool winter months from November to March. This is also when it holds an array of fascinating cultural events, ranging from the biennial Dhaka Arts Summit (attended by 300,000 Dhakaites the last time it was held) and the Dhaka Lit Fest. The University of Dhaka’s Fine Arts Institute – designed by pioneering modernist Muzharul Islam – is an airy structure enveloped in landscaped gardens.

There are plenty of sights to feast your eyes upon. Lalbagh Fort – a sprawling 17th century Mughal complex – is one of them. The pink-hued Ahsan Manzill, former pleasure palace of the Sheikh Enayet Ullah, is another. Dhaka also has plenty of chaotic, colourful markets to visit – Dhanmondi Hawkers’ Market sells some of the most beautiful Jamdani and Tangail textiles and saris in the city.

Make sure you take the time to wander down the winding alleys of Old Dhaka, the city’s historic centre. You’ll pass timeworn buildings, shaded courtyards, religious buildings and plenty of markets. Bangla Bazar is crammed with book stalls, while Shakhari Bazar is a Hindu neighbourhood known for its shakhari makers (an instrument made with conch shells). There are plenty of places to eat, from street food stalls to heritage coffee houses and restaurants selling morog pulao (a variation of chicken biryani). 

And no trip to the city is complete without a trip on the river! Catch a boat from Sadargat, the city’s busiest river port.

LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS

Srimangal is the tea-growing capital of Bangladesh, its hillsides carpeted in emerald plantations. Visit the Tea Museum to learn more about the region’s history, or enjoy a picturesque hike in the surrounding countryside. There are several upmarket hotels where you can stay in comfort.

The Sundarbans

Located in the Bay of Bengal, where the vast rivers of the Brahmaputra and Ganges meet, the Sundarbans is an intricate network of mangrove forests, rivers, and tidal islands. It boasts an astonishing array of wildlife, including Bengal tigers, rhesus macaques, Gangetic dolphins, and estuarine crocodiles. This unique, fragile ecosystem has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the top spot in Bangladesh for a boat trip.

Cox’s Bazar

This gorgeous sandy beach stretches for over 120 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal. It’s a popular tourist attraction, offering activities such as jet skiing or boat trips to the nearby islands. However, there is more than enough space to avoid the crowds. It’s an excellent place for watching dramatic, fiery sunsets.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, in Dhaka, is the largest in the country, with a handling capacity of 18.5 million passengers. Carriers such as Air Asia and Qatar Airways provide flights to destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Asia including Seoul, London and Muscat.

Bangladesh has a good network of domestic flights, with airports in popular tourist destinations such as Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong. Top domestic carriers include US-Bangla Airlines and Novoair.

For those who prefer a more environmentally friendly alternative to travelling around the country, we recommend those with the time travel by boat. There are 8,000 kilometres of navigable inland waterways and a wide variety of different crafts on offer. These include public ferries – which travel long distances – and private boats, which take you from one town to another.

Trains are another option. Although the network is limited, first class carriages are very comfortable. There is a good network of long-distance buses – however, the state run BRTC buses can be uncomfortable, with limited toilet stops, so it’s best to choose a private coach. A more comfortable but expensive way to travel long distances is to hire a private car with a driver, something your tour operator can help you with.

When travelling within cities, its possible to choose from a wide – and somewhat confusing – array of vehicles, from public buses to pedal-powered rickshaws. Many people opt for CNGs (three-wheeled autorickshaws powered on compressed natural gas) to get from place to place.

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Top 27 Places to visit in Darjeeling, Explore the Beautiful Hills of Darjeeling

Top 10 things to do when traveling to shimla: shimla travel guide, the ultimate paris travel guidelines for first timers | top attractions & things to do.

The Top 12 Tourist Places in Bangladesh That you probably Don’t Know

Bangladesh has so much to offer from green hills and azure blue water of its rivers and sea to the terracotta plaques of its famous archaeological site. The country that is mostly known for its history of independence has so many beautiful tourist places. But most international tourists are unaware of the beautiful tourist places in Bangladesh .

With an area of only 148,460 square kilometres, this small country has mesmerizing sea beaches, forests, green hills, and so much more to leave a stunning experience in every tourist’s mind. The country might be small, but still, there are numerous tourist places in Bangladesh , some known, and perhaps most are yet to be discovered.

Now let me not beat around the bush and introduce you to the 12 best tourist places in Bangladesh that you must visit in 2022.

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

The 12 Best Tourist Places in Bangladesh

1. cox’s bazar.

The fresh seafood, long natural beaches, local hospitality, and the nearby attractions are the notable reasons why Coxs’ Bazar is famous to both local and international tourists. It is the longest natural sea beach globally, with several beachside hotels making it easier for people to spend time at the beach. Near Cox’s Bazar town, other than the Cox’s Bazar Sea beach, several tourist attractions attract travellers all around the year.

At the east of Coxs Bazar town, Himchari National Park has around 117 tree species, 286 bird species, and 26 mammal species. Then there is Ramu, a Buddhist village selling local handicrafts in their markets. The first Safari Park of the country, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park, is also located nearby. The only aquarium in Bangladesh , the Radiant Fish World, is also located in Cox’s Bazar . 

Things To Do in Cox’s Bazar

There are so many exciting things to do in Cox’s Bazar. You can do parasailing, horse riding, beach biking, water biking and visit all the tourist attractions nearby. You can also enjoy the sunset and sunrise from the beautiful beach. Before trying out any risky adventure in Cox’s Bazar, make sure that you have travel insurance .

Best Time To Visit Cox’s Bazar

Tourists visit Cox’s Bazar throughout the year. But November-December is the best time to visit the sea beach. During these months, it is the Winter season in Bangladesh. The prices of hotels are lower. You will see young tourists mainly during this time in Cox’s Bazar as the prices are affordable to them.

How To Reach Cox’s Bazar

You can go to Cox’s Bazar by flight, train, or bus from Dhaka. Novo Air and U.S. Bangla Airlines have daily flights to Cox’s Bazar from Dhaka. I think flights are the best way to go to Cox’s Bazar from Dhaka as they require the shortest time, which is around 1 hour.

If you are looking for an exciting journey to Cox’s Bazar, you can get on a train. Direct train journeys aren’t available from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar. But you can get on a train to Chittagong and then go to Cox’s Bazar by bus.

Both AC and non-AC bus services are also available from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar. If you choose to go to Cox’s Bazar by bus, you will most probably reach your destination within 10-12 hours. You can also drive directly to Cox’s Bazar from Dhaka, which will require around the same time.

Where To Stay in Cox’s Bazar

There are many beautiful hotels and resorts to stay in Cox’s Bazar. You can also get mesmerizing views of the sea from some of these hotel and resort rooms. My favourite hotels to stay in Cox’s Bazar within a budget are-

• Hotel Asia | Check prices and availability
• Hotel Sea Shine | Check prices and availability
• Laguna Beach Hotel & Resort | Check prices and availability
• Long Beach Hotel | Check prices and availability
•  Best Western Heritage | Check prices and availability

2. St. Martin’s Island

The only coral island in Bangladesh is St. Martin’s Island . Due to the excessive coconut trees on the island, this island is known as “Narikel Zinzira” in Bengali, which means ‘ Coconut Island’ . The island is 9 km south of Coxs Bazar.

Some rare species of corals can be found only on St. Martin’s Island. There are some resort hotels on the island for tourists.

Things To Do in St. Martin’s Island

Walking over the clean beaches and swimming in the clean water are enjoyable. You can enjoy a boat ride to the Chera Dwip, a small island near St. Martin’s. Chera Dwip was detached from St. Martin due to high tides.

Scuba diving is a must when you are in St. Martin. You can also try the delicious local food , buy some souvenirs at low prices from the local market, and click some great pictures.

Best Time To Visit St. Martin’s Island

November-February is the best time to visit the island. There are chances of cyclones during March-July, so it isn’t safe to visit then.

How To Reach St. Martin

To reach St. Martin, first, you need to go to Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar district. So, either you can go to Teknaf directly from Dhaka, or you can go to Cox’s Bazar from Dhaka, then to Teknaf and, lastly to St. Martin.

From Dhaka, you can take a bus to Teknaf, which will require around 10-12 hours to reach. Then from Teknaf, you have to get on a ship to reach St. Martin. Ships are only available for the months November-April.

Ships leave the J.T. Ghat every day at 9.00 am and return from St Martin at 3.00 pm. So, if you miss the timing, you have to take a boat which is risky. Ships take around 2-3 hours to reach St. Martin from Teknaf.

Trawlers and speedboats from Teknaf to St. Martin are available throughout the year, but they are extremely risky to get on. Moreover, during the summer season, the seawater remains hot, so it’s not safe to travel over the sea during this time.

Where To Stay in St. Martin

Some of the best hotels and resorts to stay in St. Martin are-

• Blue Marine Resort | Contact: +880 17272 66077
• Shamudra Bilash Ananda Ashram | Contact: +880 19119 20666
• Music Eco Resort | Contact: +880 16133 39696
• Coral Blue Resort | Contact: +880 18441 70350

3. Srimangal

The green tea fields make Srimanga l a famous tourist place in Bangladesh. It is located in the Moulvi Bazar District of Sylhet Division. It is the tea capital of Bangladesh due to a large number of tree plantations and the origin of the seven coloured tea.

Madhobpur Lake and Baikka Beel are two notable reasons for the popularity of Srimangal . Madhobpur Lake is the only confirmed site in Bangladesh where the great white-bellied heron is found. Baikka Beel is a small wetland that is home to the large-billed reed warbler.

Other than Madhobpur Lake and Baikka Beel, Srimangal is also popular for Lawachara Rain Forest, Hum Hum waterfall, and Reama Kalenga Reserve Forest located nearby.

Things To Do in Srimangal

While you are in Srimangal, trying out the seven-coloured tea is a must. You can walk around the tea gardens and click on some good photographs. You can take boat rides in Madhobpur Lake and Baikka Beel.

Bathing under the Hum Hum waterfall will be a really exciting thing to do. You can also walk around the two reserve forests, Lawachara Rain Forest and Reama Kalenga Reserve Forest.

Best Time To Visit Srimangal

You can visit Rangamati during the monsoon, that is, during March-May. As the main attraction of Srimangal is the tea garden, so to enjoy the best scenic beauty of the garden, it is better to visit the place during this time. And the nearby forests and lakes are also in the best state during the monsoon, which makes this season the best time to visit Srimangal.

How To Reach Srimangal

You can go to Srimangal from Dhaka by plane, bus, taxi or train. If you are an international traveller, you can directly take the flight to Sylhet Airport from your country and go to Srimangal by hiring a taxi.

But if your flight lands in Dhaka Airport, you can take a flight from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet Airport. You will reach Sylhet within 40 minutes by flight. Then you can hire a taxi and head to Srimangal, which will take you around 1 and half hours to reach your desired destination.

If you are looking for a cheap transportation method from Dhaka to Srimangal, you can get on a Dhaka-Sylhet train or Dhaka-Sylhet bus. If you go by train, you will reach Sylhet within 6-7 hours, and if you go by bus, you will reach there within 10-12 hours. From Sylhet Railway Station or Sylhet Bus Station, you have to take a taxi to reach Srimangal.

Where To Stay in Srimangal

There are many cheap hotels in Srimangal where you can stay. Some of them are-

• Grand Selim Resort & Tour | Check prices and availability
• Hotel Ishaqi Amos | Check prices and availability
• Shanti Bari Resort | Check prices and availability
• Cha luxury Hotel & Restaurant | Check prices and availability
• TONY’S PLACE | Check prices and availability

4. Lalakhal

The wide canal, Lalakhal , is located in Jaintiapur of Sylhet District. The bluish-green water is the main reason why people visit this place.

Things To Do in Lalakhal

A boat ride is the only thing to do in Lalakhal. But the combination of the green hills and beautiful water of the canal will definitely blow your mind off. Sunsets have a different beauty in Lalakhal.

There are no restaurants nearby, so you have to take food and water along if you are on a day trip. But there are some resorts where you can stay and have your meal. 

Best Time To Visit Lalakhal

November-February is the best time to visit Lalakhal. During these months, the water of the canal is in its best form. It means that the colour of the water is clearly visible. If you are lucky enough, you might also see some migratory birds in Lalakhal. During other times of the year, especially during the rainy season, the water loses its clarity.

How To Reach Lalakhal

To reach Lalakhal, you can take a flight from Dhaka Airport to Sylhet Airport. Novo Air and Biman Bangladesh Airlines offer around 6-7 flights from Dhaka to Sylhet daily. After reaching Sylhet Airport, you have to head to Osmani Shishu Park in the city. You can go there by rickshaw or CNG within 20 minutes.

Microbus and bus leave from the gate of Osmani Shishu Park towards Sarighat. After reaching Sarighat, you have to take a CNG to Lalakhal. If you want a different kind of experience, you can go to Lalakhal by the river. From Sarighat, you can hire a boat and head to Lalakhal.

You can also go to Sylhet by train or bus and then leave for Sarighat from Osmani Shishu Park. Or, if you find the entire process hectic, you can hire a taxi from Sylhet Airport/Sylhet Railway Station/Sylhet Bus Station and head directly to Lalakhal.

If you hire a taxi, the cost will be more, but you won’t have to get down at different points and change your transportation. After reaching Sylhet, you will reach Lalakhal within 2-3 hours, no matter whichever transportation method you choose.

Where To Stay in Lalakhal

There aren’t many resorts and hotels in Lalakhal to stay in. There is only one resort in Lalakhal, which is a bit expensive-

• Nazimgarh Wilderness Resort | View website

You can stay in a hotel or resort in Sylhet city. Then you can go to Lalkhal by bus or taxi. Some budget-friendly hotels and resorts in Sylhet are-

• The Grand Hotel B.D. | Check prices and availability
• Hotel Mira Garden | Check prices and availability
• Bottomhill Palace Hotel | Check prices and availability
• Hotel Supreme | Check prices and availability
• Grand Surma Hotel | Check prices and availability

5. Sundarban

Sundarban is home to some of the globally endangered species like- the Royal Bengal Tiger , river terrapin, estuarine crocodiles, and Ganges-Irawadi dolphins, which makes this mangrove forest one of the most famous tourist places of Bangladesh.

Sundarban is the largest mangrove forest globally, located in the Khulna Division of Bangladesh. About 60% of the total area of Sundarban is in Bangladesh, and the rest, 40%, is in India.

In Sundarban, there are 334 plant species, 150 species of commercially imported fish, 270 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 35 reptiles and 8 amphibian species. There are around 180 Bengal tigers in Sundarban.

Things To Do in Sundarban

You can visit a wildlife sanctuary in Sundarban as there are around 4-5 sanctuaries. Many estuaries and canals are flowing through the forest. A boat ride through these in the morning can be an exhilarating adventure. You can walk on the peaceful and serene beach located inside Sundarban, which is Jamtola Beach. Tourists are mainly attracted by the Coxs Bazar sea beach, due to which the Jamtola beach remains empty, clean and quiet.

Best Time To Visit Sundarban

October-March is the best time to have a trip to Sundarban. The lovely weather and moderate temperature below 30 degrees Celcius make these months the perfect time to visit Sundarban. During summer the hot weather is intolerable to tourists and during monsoon the heavy rains won’t let you enjoy the beauty of the forest.

How To Reach Sundarban

There are many ways to go to Sundarban from Dhaka. You can fly from Dhaka to Khulna by Novo Air or Biman Bangladesh Airlines flights. They have daily flights from Dhaka to Saidpur. You will reach Khulna within an hour, and then you can get on a launch to Sundarban.

You can also get on a bus or train from Dhaka to Khulna. After reaching Khulna, you can get on a launch to reach Sundarban. Launches leave from Mongla Port and Khulna Steamer Port. But firstly, you need to buy a launch ticket from any travel agency. You will reach Sundarban within 2 hours by launch.

Where To Stay in Sundarban

As Sundarban is a forest, there’s no way for you to stay there. But there are some hotels in Khulna where you can stay to make the most out of your Sundarban trip-

• Tiger Garden Int Hotel | Check prices and availability
• Jatra Flagship Khulna City Centre | Check prices and availability

6. Bandarban

In the past few years, Bandarban has gained extreme popularity as one of the beautiful tourist places in Bangladesh. Bandarban is a hill district of Chittagong Division. It is mainly famous for the exotic tourist attractions like- Boga Lake, Nilachol, Meghla Hanging Bridge, Keokradong peak, several Buddhist temples and many waterfalls.

Located in the Ruma Upazila of Bandarban, Boga Lake is a natural deep lake filled with sweet water. It is not allowed to swim in the lake because many deaths have been caused due to it. At the further east of the lake, Keokradong peak is the 5th highest peak in Bangladesh. The most famous waterfalls in Bandarban are Jadipai, Nafakhum, and Amiakhum. Out of numerous Buddhist temples of Bandarban , the Theravada Buddhist temple is the most popular to tourists.

Things To Do in Bandarban

As I said, there are numerous tourist attractions in Bandarban, so there are also many exciting things to do. You can have a boat ride in Boga Lake, hike in Keokradong, and sightsee the waterfalls. As Bandarban is a hilly area, so to enjoy most of the tourist attractions, you have to do a lot of hiking and trekking.

Best Time To Visit Bandarban

Most tourists visit Bandarban during Winter, that is during November-February as this is the busiest season in Bandarban, the prices rocket. During other months, especially during monsoon, the prices are lower, and the place is less crowded with tourists. But due to rain, there are great chances of landslides which is extremely risky and causes transportation problems.

How To Reach Bandarban

You can fly from Dhaka to Chittagong and then head for Bandarban by bus or taxi. Novo Air and Biman Bangladesh Airlines have daily flights from Dhaka to Chittagong. U.S. Bangla Airlines have flights from Dhaka to Chittagong on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday.

Each of these airlines has 10-12 flights from Dhaka to Chittagong per day, and you will reach Chittagong within 45 minutes. When you reach Chittagong, you can get on an A.C. or non-AC bus and expect to reach your destination within 2-3 hours. You can also hire a taxi from Chittagong to Bandarban.

Bus and train services are also available from Dhaka to Chittagong. If you choose to go to Chittagong by train, you will need 7-8 hours to reach your destination. And if you go to Chittagong by bus, you will need 10-12 hours.

And if you want to reach Bandarban directly from Dhaka, you can rent a car or drive by yourself. If you do so, you will reach Bandarban within 14-15 hours from Dhaka.

Where To Stay in Bandarban

Two great budget-friendly hotels to stay in Bandarban are-

• Hotel Plaza | Check prices and availability
• Hotel Hill View | Check prices and availability

7. Somapura Mahavihara

Somapura Mahavihara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Paharpur of Naogaon district. It is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Bangladesh.

The architecture of the monastery consists of a quadrangular structure consisting of 177 cells and a traditional Buddhist stupa in the centre. The monks used the cells for their accommodation and meditation. The carved decoration, terracotta plaques, inscriptions etc., make this monastery a must-place to visit for those who love to know about history and culture.

Things To Do in Somapura Mahavihara

It might take you an entire day to check out the beautiful architecture of the monastery. So, you can join a guided tour to get a better understanding of this archaeological site. The good thing is that there aren’t many tourists here due to its remote location, so you will have an uninterrupted experience.

Best Time To Visit Somapura Mahavihara

As Somapura Mahavihara is an archaeological site, there is no need to worry about the weather; you can visit it any time of the year. The place remains uncrowded round the year, so you also don’t need to worry about that and pay a visit anytime.

How To Reach Somapura Mahavihara

To reach Somapura Mahavihara, you can either fly to Rajshahi or Saidpur from Dhaka and then take a taxi to Somapura Mahavihara. Novo Air and Biman Bangladesh Airline have daily flights from Dhaka Airport to Rajshahi Airport or Saidpur Airport. 

You will reach Rajshahi or Saidpur from Dhaka within 50 minutes to 1 hour. After reaching Rajshahi or Saidpur, you can take a taxi and reach Somapura Mahavihara within one and a half hours.

However, taking a bus from Dhaka to Natore is the cheapest way to reach Somapura Mahavihara. Buses leave from Uttara to Natore every 4 hours. It also takes four hours to reach Natore from Dhaka. After reaching Natore, you can get on a taxi and expect to reach your destination within 2 hours.

You can also rent a taxi or drive directly from Dhaka to Somapura Mahavihara. In both these cases, you will reach Somapura Mahavihara within 4-5 hours.

Where To Stay in Somapura Mahavihara

You won’t find any hotels and resorts very near to Somapura Mahavihara. But there are some hotels which are within a few minutes driving distance from this place. They are-

• Momo Inn | Check prices and availability
• Annex Suites | Check prices and availability
• Red Chillies Restaurant and Guesthouse | Check prices and availability

8. Bagerhat

Bagerhat , also known as the Mosque City, is located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh. There are around 360 mosques in the city. It was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1973.

Khan Jahan’s mausoleum, Nine-Domed Mosque, Sixty-Domed Mosque, Chunakhola Mosque and Singair Mosque are the most popular attractions in Bagerhat.

Things To Do in Bagerhat

When you are in Bagerhat, you can walk throughout the historic city and visit the famous tourist attractions. As it’s not possible to check out 360 mosques, you can visit Sixty-Domed Mosque, Chunakhola Mosque, Nine-Domed Mosque, and Singair Mosque. By visiting these mosques, you will get an idea of the Muslim architecture of the 15th century.

Best Time To Visit Bagerhat

Winter is a great time to visit Bagerhat. Due to the cool weather, you will have a comfortable experience walking around the city. But if you visit Bagerhat during the rainy season, your experience might be hindered due to rain and mud. And summer in Bangladesh is extremely uncomfortable for any sort of travelling.

How To Reach Bagerhat

There are many ways to reach Bagerhat from Dhaka. You can go there by plane, bus, taxi or car. If you choose to drive yourself to Bagerhat, it will take you around 10 hours to reach the place.

Novo Air and Biman Bangladesh Airlines have Dhaka to Barisal or Dhaka to Jessore flights. You will reach Barishal or Jessore within 40-50 minutes from Dhaka. Once you reach Barisal or Jessore, you can take a taxi to Bagerhat and reach there within 2-3 hours.

Buses leave from Gabtoli and Dhaka Technical to Jhalkathi every 4 hours and reach there within 7 hours. After reaching Jhalkathi, you can hire a taxi to Bagerhat, which will take you around 2-3 hours to reach your destination.

Where To Stay in Bagerhat

Some great hotels to stay near Bagerhat are-

• Hotel Grand Park Barishal | Check prices and availability
• Zabeer Hotel International | Check prices and availability

9. Rangamati

The city of lake, Rangamati is a famous tourist place in Bangladesh, mainly known for its waterfalls, lakes, parks, and highlands. Just like Bandarban, it is another hill district located in Chittagong Division.

The largest lake of Bangladesh, Kaptai Lake, is situated in the Kaptai Upazila of the Rangamati district. The lake has an average depth of 30m and a maximum depth of 150 m. Other than this lake, Rangamati is also popular for Shuvolong Waterfall, Hanging Bridge, Sheikh Rasel Eco Park, Rajban Bihar Pagoda and many other tourist attractions nearby.

Read more All You Need To Know About Rangamati

Things To Do in Rangamati

Kayaking in Kaptai Lake is a must when you are in Rangamati. There is Lakeshore Resort near the lake, which has a swimming pool with a wide view of the lake. So, you will have a great experience swimming there. You can also take the cable ride in Sheikh Rasel Eco Park, sightsee Rajban Bihar Pagoda, enjoy the scenic beauty of Shuvolong waterfall, etc.

Best Time To Visit Rangamati

Just like every other tourist spot in Bangladesh on this list, the best time to visit Rangamati is November-February. Due to the cool weather, it is comfortable to visit Rangamati during this time. As Rangamati is a hilly area, landslides frequently occur during monsoons blocking the local transportation systems and making it risky for travellers.

How To Reach Rangamati

There is no way to go to Ragamati from Dhaka directly. At first, you have to go to Chittagong from Dhaka. There are two ways to reach Chittagong from Dhaka- one is by flight, and another one is by bus.

US-Bangla, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and Novo Air offer flights to Chittagong Airport from Dhaka Airport. It will take you around 1 hour to reach Chittagong by flight.

If you want to reach Chittagong from Dhaka at a cheap price, you can board a bus. Bus from Dhaka to Chittagong leaves every 15 minutes and will take you to Chittagong within 7-8 hours.

After reaching Chittagong, you can hire a taxi to Rangamati. Bus services are also available from Chittagong to Rangamati. Whether you take a taxi or decide to go by bus, you will reach Rangamati within an hour.

Where To Stay in Rangamati

You will find some really good hotels to stay in Rangamati within your budget. Some of these hotels are-

• Hotel Prince | Check prices and availability
• Moti Mahal | Check prices and availability
• Hotel Green Castle | Check prices and availability

10. Kuakata

Kuakata , known as Daughter of The Sea, is one of Bangladesh’s most scenic tourist places. This panoramic sea beach is located in the southern part of Bangladesh. The beach is around 18 kilometres in length and 3 kilometres in width.

The most beautiful thing about Kuakata is that you can get an unhindered view of both sunset and sunrise from the beach. Kuakata is home to some other tourist attractions like- Mishri Para Buddhist Monastery, Well of Kuakata, Keranipara Rakhaine settlement, Alipur Port, Fatra forest, Kuakata Eco Park, Kuakata National Park, etc.

Things To Do in Kuakata

As I said earlier, the Kuakata sea beach offers a mesmerizing view of unobstructed sunset and sunrise. So, you must check out the beautiful sunset and sunrise when you are in Kuakata. You can visit the nearby tourist attractions that I mentioned above to make the most out of your travel experience.

Best Time To Visit Kuakata

Kuakata can be visited all around the year. But Winter is a good choice compared to the other seasons. During summer and monsoon, the sea waves crash the beach roughly. So, if you want to enjoy the calmness of Kuakata, you should plan your trip to Kuakata during Winter. 

How To Reach Kuakata

You can head to Kuakata from Dhaka either by launch or by bus. A direct BRTC bus service leaves for Kuakata from the Sayedabad Bus terminal at night. It will take you around 12 hours to reach Kuakata by bus.

If you want a different kind of journey, you can go to Patuakhali by a launch that leaves for Patuakhali from Sadarghat terminal. The launches depart from Sadarghat from 4 pm to 7 pm. So, you will reach Patuakhali at around 6-7 am. Then, from Patuakhali you have to take a bus to Kuakata, and you will reach there within 3-4 hours.

Where To Stay in Kuakata

Some of the best hotels to stay in Kuakata within a reasonable price are-

• Hotel Graver Inn International | Check prices and availability
• Hotel Khan Palace | Check prices and availability
• Sawpnorajjo Park & Resort | Check prices and availability

11. Sajek Valley

Sajek Valley is one of the most exotic tourist places in Bangladesh. The valley is located in Baghaichhari Upazila of Rangamati District. The floating clouds, green hills, and calming natural beauty make this place attractive to both local and international tourists.

There are many notable tourist attractions in Sajek Valley like- Konglak Pahar, Risang Waterfall, Alutila Cave, Lushai Heritage Village, Ruilui Para etc. You can read more about them here .

Things To Do in Sajek Valley

As Sajek Valley is a mountainous area, you can do a lot of hiking and trekking here. You can trek through the Risang waterfall or bath below it. You can take a look inside the mysterious Alutila Cave. You can hike up to Konglak Pahar to get the most mesmerizing view from the top of the mountain. You can also have a walk around the neighbourhoods to get an idea about the lifestyle of ethnic people living there.

Best Time To Visit Sajek Valley

During Winter, the prices of resorts are low. So, if you are planning a budget trip to Sajek, you should go there during Winter, especially during mid-November. During other seasons, the prices rocket.

No matter in which season you visit Sajek Valley, you can always enjoy the scenic beauty of the floating clouds. The place is crowded in almost every season so you can’t avoid that.

How To Reach Sajek Valley

After reaching the Dhaka Airport, you have to take a bus to Khagrachari District. You will find many A.C. and non-AC buses for going to Khagrachari. It will take around 7-8 hours to reach Khagrachari from Dhaka by bus.

The road to Sajek Valley from Khagrachari is immensely beautiful. You have to board on a Chander Gari (local vehicle of Sajek Valley) from Khagrachari. Chander Gari can accommodate around 10-12 people, and it will be with you the entire time you are in Sajek Valley.

The group of people you will be travelling with can be chosen by you or the Khagrachari Jeep Owners Association office. But you can also hire the entire vehicle for yourself if you aren’t comfortable travelling with strangers. The fare will be higher if you hire the entire vehicle for yourself. But if you travel with a group, the fare will be divided equally among the tourists.

The vehicles only leave for Sajek Valley between 10 am and 3 pm, escorted by armies for safety. So, you can’t miss the timing. Foreigners need to take permission from the Deputy Commissioner of Rangamati to travel to Sajek Valley. You will reach Sajek Valley from Khagrachari within 2-3 hours.

Where To Stay in Sajek Valley

There are many resorts in Sajek Valley. Some of them are cheap, some are mid-range, and the rest are luxury. I’m naming some resorts in Sajek Valley below along with their contact numbers-

• Ruilui Resort | Contact: +880 16320 30000
• Sajek Army Resort | Contact: +880 17693 02370
• TGB Lushai Cottage | Contact: +880 16341 98005
• Sampari Resort | Contact: +880 18498 89055
• Alo Resort | Contact: +880 18223 56303

12. Lalbagh Fort

The Lalbagh fort is famous as one of the historical tourist places in Bangladesh due to its beautiful Mughal architecture. It is located in the capital city of Bangladesh, Dhaka. The fort is divided into three main parts- the Tomb of Pari Bibi, Diwan-i-Aam, and Quilla Mosque.

The tomb of Pari Bibi was constructed in memory of Pari Bibi, the daughter of Shaista Khan. The tomb is a white marble room in the middle of the fort. There are eight rooms surrounding this central room.

The Diwan-i-Aam is a two-storied residence located on the east side of the fort. Out of seven bathhouses of the Diwan-i-Aam, only one Hamam Khana(bathhouse) still exists in the southern part of the fort. The bathhouses had underground water boiling rooms, and water was supplied to the Hammamkhana through terracotta pipes.

The Quilla Mosque, also known as Lalbagh fort mosque, has three domes with a water tank for ablutions in front. The mosque is divided from the fort with a fence so that people can enter the mosque and pray without any ticket.

Things To Do in Lalbagh Fort

It might take you an entire day to explore Lalbagh Fort. Walking around the fort and exploring the Mughal architecture of the fort is a great thing to do in Lalbagh Fort.

Best Time To Visit Lalbagh Fort

As Lalbagh Fort is a historical landmark, you can visit the place at any time of the year. However, the fort remains closed during Sundays, government holidays, and Eid holidays. So, keep an eye on the calendar before planning your trip to Lalbagh fort.

How To Reach Lalbagh Fort

After reaching Dhaka Airport, you can take a taxi to reach the Lalbagh Fort. There are three routes from Dhaka Airport to Lalbagh Fort- Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, Mouchak Moghbazar Flyover-Moghbazar Rd, and Central Shahid Minar Rd-Dhakeshwari Road to Lalbagh Road.

Continuing along the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, you can reach the fort within 5-10 minutes. This is the shortest route from Dhaka Airport to the fort. It also takes the shortest time to reach Lalbagh fort by this route.

Where To Stay in Lalbagh Fort

There are many hotels near the Lalbagh Fort where you can stay. I am mentioning some of the best hotels near Lalbagh Fort below.

• Hotel 71 | Check prices and availability
• Priyo Nibash Stylish Residential Hotel | Check prices and availability
• InterContinental Dhaka | Check prices and availability
• Asia Hotel & Resorts | Check prices and availability
• FARS Hotel & Resorts | Check prices and availability

Tourist places in Bangladesh are definitely not limited to these twelve. Just like every other country on the globe, Bangladesh also has some scenic wonders to offer to travellers. And it is also one of the cheapest countries to travel to. I hope that you will have a great time checking out the best 12 tourist places in Bangladesh.

Related Posts

How expensive is dhaka for travellers, is bangladesh safe for travel, the top 15 historical places in bangladesh, dhaka’s finest: the top 15 famous restaurants in dhaka.

I think Fantasykingdom.net is one of the best amusement park in Bangladesh and a place must visit if you are in Bangladesh.

This is realy good and informative content for me. I love all this place. If i get time i will visit all the place. Thanks to say “the simple travel”. I recently visited Bandarban and stayed at Labah Tong hill resort and restaurant. It’s the best resort in the area with friendly staff, stunning views, and beautiful interior design. If you want a relaxing getaway, I highly recommend a visit to Labah Tong.

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'Jujutsu Kaisen's' Kento Nanami to get a memorial beach house in Malaysia

In a tribute to the late kento nanami from gege akutami's 'jujutsu kaisen', malaysia plans to build a memorial beach house. the move follows a surge in anime tourism after fans marked kuantan beach as a 'nanami kento memorial shrine' on online maps..

Listen to Story

• Malaysian government has announced plans for a beach house memorial dedicated to 'Jujutsu Kaisen's' Kento Nanami
• The move came after fans marked Kuantan Beach as a 'Nanami Kento Memorial Shrine' online
• 'Jujutsu Kaisen' is a manga written by Gege Akutami

The Malaysian government recently announced plans to build a memorial beach house dedicated to the late Kento Nanami, a fan-favorite character from Gege Akutami's 'Jujutsu Kaisen'.

The news comes after Nanami's dream of retiring on a Malaysian beach was revealed in season two. Since his emotional demise, fans flocked to social media, marking Kuantan Beach as a "Nanami Kento Memorial Shrine" on online maps. This outpouring of love caught the attention of Malaysian tourism officials.

"We were overwhelmed by the response to Nanami's wish," said Leong Yu Man, a tourism committee chairman. "Fans have already put Kuantan on the map, and we believe a permanent tribute could turn the beach into a major tourist destination for anime fans worldwide."

Plans for the memorial beach house are still under development. However, officials have hinted at a design that reflects Nanami's stoic personality and love for a simple life. The house may even incorporate elements inspired by his jujutsu sorcery techniques.

Earlier, 'Jujutsu Kaisen' secured the Guinness World Record as world's most popular animated shows of 2023. This anime dethroned giants like Attack on Titan and One Piece with ease. Despite just two seasons and a prequel movie since its 2020 debut, it's now one of anime's all-time best sellers. Published By: Trisha Bhattacharya Published On: Apr 23, 2024 ALSO READ | Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2024: ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’, ‘Demon Slayer’ lead nominations