Bandarban Town Travel Guide

Discover the culturally important attractions, natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, outdoor adventures, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety and health, and transportation options and logistics in Bandarban Town.


Introduction to Bandarban Town

Bandarban Town is a picturesque town located in the Bandarban District in Chittagong Division, Bangladesh. Known for its natural beauty and diverse cultural heritage, it is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore the region’s rich cultural past and scenic views. The town is surrounded by scenic hills and lush green forests, which make it a perfect spot for trekking and adventure activities.

List of Places to Visit in Bandarban Town

Bandarban Town is a paradise for tourists with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Here is a list of places to visit in Bandarban Town.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Buddha Dhatu Jadi

Buddha Dhatu Jadi, also known as the Bandarban Golden Temple, is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Bangladesh. It houses the second-largest Buddha statue in the country and has a peaceful ambiance, attracting many visitors from all over the world.

Chimbuk Hill

Chimbuk Hill, located just 26 km from Bandarban Town, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the district. With a height of 2,400 feet above sea level, it offers visitors stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and forests.

Nilgiri

Nilgiri is a beautiful hill station in the Bandarban district, located about 46 km from Bandarban Town. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bangladesh, mainly due to its stunning natural beauty and cool weather.

Natural Attractions of Bandarban Town: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Sangu River

The Sangu River flows through the town, and its crystal clear water, surrounded by forests and hills, is a sight to behold. Visitors can enjoy boating and swimming in the river and even take a dip in the natural hot water springs located near it.

Keokradong

Keokradong is the highest peak in Bangladesh, and visitors can go trekking and hiking to reach the top of the mountain. The hike is a bit challenging, but the stunning views from the peak make it all worthwhile.

Shoilo Propat

Shoilo Propat is a beautiful waterfall located about 4 km from Bandarban Town. It is surrounded by lush green forests, and visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bandarban Town

Bandarban Town is an ideal place for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. Here are some of the most popular routes for these activities.

Hiking Routes

Keokradong Trek

The Keokradong trek is a challenging, yet rewarding, hike. It takes around two days to complete, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests.

Boga Lake Trek

Boga Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, and the trek to reach it is relatively easy. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the hills and forests during the trek.

Biking Routes

Bandarban to Chimbuk Hill

The biking route from Bandarban to Chimbuk Hill is a scenic one, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests. It is an excellent way to explore the natural beauty of the region.

Bandarban to Nilgiri

The biking route from Bandarban to Nilgiri is another popular activity for visitors. It is a bit challenging due to the steep hills, but the stunning views from the top of Nilgiri make it all worthwhile.

Best Things to Do in Bandarban Town: Activities and Tours

Bandarban Town offers visitors a wide range of activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do in Bandarban Town.

Visit the Buddhist Temples

Bandarban is home to several famous Buddhist temples, including Buddha Dhatu Jadi, which is the most significant of them all. Visitors can learn about the Buddhist culture and enjoy the serene and peaceful ambiance of the temples.

Explore the Hill Stations

Bandarban Town is surrounded by several hill stations, including Nilgiri, Chimbuk Hill, and Thanchi. Visitors can explore them to enjoy the scenic beauty of the hills and forests.

Enjoy the Waterfalls

Bandarban Town is home to several beautiful waterfalls, including the Shoilo Propat waterfall. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear water of the falls or have a picnic on its banks.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bandarban Town

Here is a week-long itinerary for visitors to Bandarban Town.

Day 1: Visit the Buddhist temples, including Buddha Dhatu Jadi. Day 2: Trek to Keokradong and enjoy the stunning views from the top of the mountain. Day 3: Explore the hill stations, including Chimbuk Hill and Thanchi. Day 4-5: Enjoy the refreshing waterfalls, including the Shoilo Propat waterfall. Day 6: Go biking from Bandarban to Nilgiri and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region. Day 7: Visit the local market to buy souvenirs and local products to bring home.

Food and Drink Scene of Bandarban Town

Bandarban Town offers visitors a wide range of food and drink options. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in the town.

Must-Try Dishes

Bamboo Chicken

Bamboo chicken is a famous local delicacy in the town. Chicken is cooked inside bamboo sticks, giving it a unique flavor and aroma.

Pitha

Pitha is a traditional snack made from rice flour and stuffed with coconut, sesame seeds, or jaggery. It is a must-try snack for visitors.

Local Beverages

Cha

Cha or tea is the most popular beverage in the town. Visitors can enjoy a hot cup of cha while enjoying the scenic beauty of the town.

Sukno

Sukno is a local alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. It is a must-try beverage for visitors interested in trying local drinks.

Where to Stay in Bandarban Town: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bandarban Town offers visitors a wide range of accommodation options, from hotels to hostels and guesthouses. Here are some of the best places to stay in the town.

Hotel Green Hill

Hotel Green Hill is a beautiful hotel located in the heart of the town. It offers visitors comfortable rooms and excellent amenities, making it an ideal place to stay in Bandarban Town.

Hill View Resort

Hill View Resort is another popular accommodation option in the town. It features spacious rooms and beautiful views of the surrounding hills and forests.

What to Buy in Bandarban Town: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bandarban Town offers visitors an array of souvenirs and local products to bring home. Here are some of the best products to buy in the town.

Handicrafts

Bandarban is known for its unique and beautiful handicrafts made by local artisans. Visitors can buy traditional textiles, wooden carvings, and other handicrafts to bring back home.

Spices

Bandarban is also known for its aromatic spices made from locally grown herbs and plants. Visitors can bring back home local spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper, to name a few.

Local Culture and Customs of Bandarban Town

Bandarban Town has a diverse cultural heritage, and visitors can learn about the various cultures and customs of the region during their stay.

Traditional Dress

The traditional dress of Bandarban is very colorful and unique. Women wear lungi and long shirts, while men wear lungi and short shirts and headbands.

Festivals

The town celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including the Boisabi festival, which is a three-day festival celebrated by the local Tripura community in April.

Best Time to Visit Bandarban Town

The best time to visit Bandarban Town is from October to March when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bandarban Town

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Dress appropriately while visiting religious places.
  • Try local foods and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local culture and customs.
  • Engage in any illegal activities.
  • Litter the town or the surrounding hills and forests.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bandarban Town

Bandarban Town is a safe place to visit, but visitors should take necessary precautions such as avoiding isolated areas and not carrying large amounts of cash and valuables around.

Health in Bandarban Town

Visitors should take necessary precautions such as drinking bottled water and avoiding street food to avoid any illness during their stay.

Getting to Bandarban Town: Transportation Options and Logistics

Bandarban is well-connected to the rest of the country by road and air. Here are some transportation options to get to Bandarban Town.

Airports Near Bandarban Town

The nearest airport to Bandarban Town is Chittagong International Airport, located about 80 km from the town.

Bus Stations Near Bandarban Town

Visitors can take a bus from Dhaka and Chittagong to reach Bandarban Town.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a private car or taxi to reach Bandarban Town.

How to Get Around in Bandarban Town

Visitors can get around Bandarban Town and its surrounding areas by taxi, local buses, or by hiring a private car or bike.

Where to Go Next from Bandarban Town: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions visitors can explore after their stay in Bandarban Town.

Cox’s Bazar

Cox’s Bazar is a beautiful beach town located about 165 km from Bandarban Town. Visitors can enjoy the stunning beaches and the local seafood here.

Srimangal

Srimangal is a scenic town located about 275 km from Bandarban Town. Visitors can explore the tea plantations and taste local tea here.

Conclusion

Bandarban Town is a beautiful town that offers visitors a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the town’s famous temples, go on treks and hikes, and immerse themselves in the local culture and customs. Visitors should definitely add Bandarban Town to their travel bucket list when in Bangladesh.

Buddha Dhatu Jadi Buddha Dhatu Jadi Jeeps and autos are available Bandarban Jeep station Jeeps and autos are available Bandarban Jeep station