Bangladesh Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide for Bangladesh, including top places to visit, things to do, food scene, local culture, safety tips, and transportation options. Ready to explore this South Asian gem?


Introduction to Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a beautiful country located in South Asia, bordered by India, Myanmar, and the Bay of Bengal. Despite its small size and lack of tourism infrastructure, Bangladesh boasts stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Visitors to Bangladesh can discover the country’s diverse landscapes, from the world’s largest river delta to sprawling tea gardens and ancient archaeological sites. Bangladesh is also known for its mouth-watering cuisine, colorful festivals, and bustling markets.

List of Places to Visit in Bangladesh

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. National Museum of Bangladesh: Located in Dhaka, the National Museum is the country’s largest museum and showcases a vast collection of Bengali art, history, and culture.
  2. Lalbagh Fort: This 17th-century Mughal fortress is located in Dhaka and features ornate architecture, beautiful gardens, and a museum.
  3. Bagerhat: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bagerhat is an ancient city known for its stunning mosques and mausoleums.
  4. Paharpur: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Paharpur is home to the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery dating back to the 8th century.

Natural Attractions of Bangladesh: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Sundarbans: The Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodiles, and many other unique species.
  2. Cox’s Bazar: This beautiful beach town is located on the Bay of Bengal and boasts a 120 km-long stretch of sandy coastline.
  3. Srimangal: Known as the tea capital of Bangladesh, Srimangal is a tranquil town located amidst scenic tea gardens.
  4. Sylhet: Sylhet is a city known for its beautiful hills, waterfalls, and tea gardens.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bangladesh

  1. Chittagong Hill Tracts: The Chittagong Hill Tracts are located in southeastern Bangladesh and offer a beautiful landscape for hiking and camping.
  2. Lawachara National Park: This national park is located in Srimangal and is home to a variety of species, including gibbons and rare birds.
  3. Madhabpur Lake: This scenic lake is located near Srimangal and can be a great spot for cycling and picnicking.
  4. Sreemangal to Sylhet Road: An excellent biking route that runs through lush tea gardens and rolling hills.

Best Things to Do in Bangladesh: Activities and Tours

  1. River Cruises: Bangladesh has many rivers crisscrossing throughout the country, and a river cruise is a great way to see the countryside.
  2. Explore Temples and Mosques: Bangladesh boasts many temples and mosques, including the 15th-century Sixty Dome Mosque in Bagerhat, the Choto Sona Mosque in Gaur, and the Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka.
  3. Attend Festivals: Bangladesh is known for its colorful festivals, such as the Bengali New Year, Durga Puja, Eid al-Fitr, and the Bishwa Ijtema.
  4. Village Tours: Many tour operators offer guided tours of villages, where visitors can learn about traditional village life, agriculture, and artisanal crafts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bangladesh

Day Activity
1 Explore Dhaka (National Museum, Lalbagh Fort)
2 Visit Bagerhat and Paharpur
3 River cruise on the Padma River
4 Hike in the Chittagong Hill Tracts
5 Relax at Cox’s Bazar Beach
6 Visit Srimangal and Madhabpur Lake
7 Explore Sylhet

Food and Drink Scene of Bangladesh

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Biriyani: Bangladesh has its version of this classic rice dish, typically made with fragrant basmati rice, tender meat, and aromatic spices.
  2. Dal: A lentil-based soup, usually served with rice and vegetables.
  3. Pitha: A type of rice cake made with rice flour, coconut, and jaggery or sugar.
  4. Fuchka: A type of street food made with crispy shells, filled with chickpeas, potatoes, and spices and served with tamarind water.

Local Beverages

  1. Cha: Bengali tea, usually made by boiling black tea with milk and sugar.
  2. Lassi: A sweet or salty yogurt drink, often served during warm weather.
  3. Borhani: A sour-spicy drink made with yogurt, spices, and mint.

Where to Stay in Bangladesh: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka: a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Dhaka, with excellent amenities, such as a swimming pool, spa, and multiple dining options.
  2. Hotel Green Hill: A budget-friendly hotel located in Sylhet, with basic amenities, such as air conditioning, hot shower, and internet access.
  3. Purbani Hotel & Resort: A mid-range hotel located in Cox’s Bazar, with a private beach, spa, and restaurant.

What to Buy in Bangladesh: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Jamdani Sarees: One of the finest and most expensive cotton sarees in the world, known for its intricate weaving and embroidery.
  2. Nakshi Kantha: A type of embroidered quilt made of old saris and dhotis, usually used as a bedspread or wall hanging.
  3. Hilsa Fish: A popular and delicious fish native to Bangladesh, usually found in the Bay of Bengal.

Local Culture and Customs of Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a rich cultural heritage that includes Bengali music, dance, art, and literature. Bengali is the official language, and Islam is the predominant religion. Visitors to Bangladesh should dress conservatively, especially when visiting mosques or religious sites. It is also customary to remove shoes before entering a home or mosque.

Best Time to Visit Bangladesh

The best time to visit Bangladesh is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and dry. The monsoon season lasts from June to September and can be extremely humid and wet, making outdoor activities challenging.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bangladesh

Do:

  1. Try local food and drinks.
  2. Dress modestly.
  3. Learn a few words in Bengali.
  4. Bargain at markets and bazaars.

Don’t:

  1. Take photographs of people without permission.
  2. Eat food sold by street vendors unless you are confident about the hygiene.
  3. Touch or pat children’s heads, as it is considered disrespectful.
  4. Use your left hand for eating or touching anything.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is generally safe for travelers; however, visitors should take precautions against petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, in crowded areas. It’s best to travel in groups or with a trusted guide, especially at night. In the hilly areas, visitors should be aware of the occasional incidents involving ethnic tensions between tribes.

Health in Bangladesh

Visitors should take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue fever and malaria, by wearing long-sleeved clothing, ensuring proper mosquito-netting when resting at night and use mosquito repellent. Similarly, taking water-borne diseases is a significant concern, and it’s always best to drink purified water or boiled before drinking.

Getting to Bangladesh: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bangladesh

  1. Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC): located in Dhaka, is the primary airport serving the capital and the country’s biggest airport.
  2. Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP): located in Chittagong, is the country’s second-largest airport and serves as the gateway to the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Bus Stations Near Bangladesh

  1. India: Kolkata and Agartala have daily bus services to Dhaka and other cities in Bangladesh.
  2. Myanmar: A bus service runs between Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar, and Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh.

Other Options

Bangladesh has a well-connected railway network that connects key cities within the country. There is also an option to travel via waterways in Bangladesh, where the country has a significant network of rivers and even a river border with India.

How to Get Around in Bangladesh

The most common modes of transportation in Bangladesh are bus, train, and local taxis or private vehicles. Visitors can also travel via rickshaws, which are three-wheeled pedal-powered carts.

Where to Go Next from Bangladesh: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Bhutan: Known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” Bhutan is a beautiful country nestled in the Himalayan Mountains.
  2. India: Travelers can cross the border from Bangladesh to the Indian states of West Bengal and Meghalaya, which offer many cultural and natural attractions.
  3. Myanmar: Visitors to Bangladesh can explore the lush forested hills of Myanmar upon crossing the border.

Conclusion

Bangladesh may not be the most popular tourist destination in Asia, but it is undoubtedly worth exploring for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and friendly people. By following this comprehensive tour guide for Bangladesh, visitors can experience the best of what the country has to offer and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

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    Chittagong Division
    Dhaka Division
    Northeastern Bangladesh
    Rajshahi Division
    Southern Bangladesh