Chittagong Travel Guide (Chittagong Division/Bangladesh/South Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Chittagong
List of Places to Visit in Chittagong
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Chittagong: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Chittagong
Best Things to Do in Chittagong: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Chittagong
Food and Drink Scene of Chittagong
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Chittagong: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Chittagong: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Chittagong
Best Time to Visit Chittagong
Do’s and Don’ts of Chittagong
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Chittagong
- Health in Chittagong
Getting to Chittagong: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Chittagong
Where to Go Next from Chittagong: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Chittagong

Chittagong is a bustling port city on the southeastern coast of Bangladesh. Founded in the 16th century, it has a rich cultural and historical heritage, as well as stunning natural beauty. Chittagong is the second-largest city in Bangladesh, and is an important economic hub for the country, thanks to its strategic location on the Bay of Bengal. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about visiting Chittagong, from the best things to do and see, to where to eat and stay, and practical information on transportation and culture.

List of Places to Visit in Chittagong

Here’s a rundown of the must-see attractions and activities in Chittagong:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Ethnological Museum - This museum features exhibits on the cultural history of Bangladesh, including clothing, jewelry, and other artifacts from various ethnic groups.
Zia Memorial Museum - This museum is dedicated to the memory of Ziaur Rahman, a former president of Bangladesh. It features exhibits on his life and achievements.
Foy’s Lake - This man-made lake is a popular spot for picnicking and boating. There is also an amusement park and a cable car ride that offers panoramic views of the area.
War Cemetery - This cemetery is a solemn reminder of the sacrifice made by Allied soldiers during World War II. It is a peaceful and well-maintained site that is worth a visit.

Natural Attractions of Chittagong: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Patenga Beach - This popular beach is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. There are also plenty of watersports activities available, such as jet skiing and parasailing.
Chittagong Hill Tracts - This hilly region is home to several indigenous communities, and is known for its stunning natural beauty. It is a great place for hiking and trekking.
Boga Lake - This clear blue lake is located in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and is surrounded by hills and forests. It is a popular spot for camping and picnicking.
Himchori Waterfall - This picturesque waterfall is located near Cox’s Bazar, and is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
Chittagong Botanical Garden - This 200-acre park is home to a wide variety of plants, flowers, and trees. It is a great place to go for a walk and enjoy nature.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Chittagong

Chittagong is a great destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some of the best routes include:

Chittagong Hill Tracts - This hilly region is home to several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
Batali Hill - This scenic hill is located in the heart of Chittagong, and offers great views of the city.
Pahartali Lake - This picturesque lake is surrounded by greenery, and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking.

Best Things to Do in Chittagong: Activities and Tours

Here are some activities and tours that you shouldn’t miss when in Chittagong:

Boat Tour of the Karnaphuli River - This boat tour takes you along the Karnaphuli River, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
Visit to the Fish Market - Chittagong is famous for its seafood, and a visit to the fish market is a must-do for foodies. You can watch the fishermen bring in their catch, and even try some fresh seafood dishes.
Explore the Chittagong Port - The Chittagong Port is one of the busiest in South Asia, and is a fascinating place to visit. You can watch the ships being loaded and unloaded, and learn more about how the port operates.

Week-Long Itinerary for Chittagong

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Chittagong:

Day 1: Arrival and check-in to hotel Day 2: Visit the Ethnological Museum, Zia Memorial Museum, and Foy’s Lake Day 3: Explore the Chittagong Hill Tracts Day 4: Visit Boga Lake and Himchori Waterfall Day 5: Take a boat tour of the Karnaphuli River Day 6: Visit the Chittagong Port and the Fish Market Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Chittagong

Chittagong is known for its seafood, as well as its spicy and flavorful cuisine. Here are some dishes and beverages that you should try:

Must-Try Dishes

Chittagong-style Biryani - This spicy biryani is made with goat meat, and is known for its bold flavors.
Shutki - This dried fish dish is a favorite among locals, and is often served with rice and dal.
Chitol Maach - This grilled fish dish is made with chitol, a type of freshwater fish that is found in Bangladesh.

Local Beverages

Lassi - This yogurt-based drink is a popular way to cool down on a hot day.
Tea - Tea is the beverage of choice for many Bangladeshis, and is often served with milk and sugar.
Sugarcane Juice - This sweet and refreshing juice is made from freshly squeezed sugarcane.

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

Chittagong has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are some of the top hotels, hostels, and guesthouses:

Hotel Agrabad - This luxury hotel is located in the heart of Chittagong, and offers comfortable rooms and excellent amenities.
Well Park Residence - This modern hotel is located in the city center, and offers spacious rooms and a rooftop pool.
Gloria Bay Resort - This beachfront resort offers comfortable rooms and stunning ocean views.
The Avenue Hotel and Suites - This budget-friendly hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms, as well as basic amenities.

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

Here are some souvenirs and local products that you might want to bring home from Chittagong:

Hill Tracts Handicrafts - The Chittagong Hill Tracts are known for their handicrafts, including woven baskets, shawls, and jewelry.
Tea - Bangladesh produces a range of high-quality teas, including black, green, and white tea, which make great souvenirs.
Leather Products - Chittagong is known for its leather goods, including bags, belts, and wallets, which are of good quality and affordable.

Local Culture and Customs of Chittagong

Bangladesh is a conservative Muslim country, and visitors should dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions. It is also important to respect the elderly, and to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. Hospitality is highly valued in Bangladesh, and visitors are likely to be welcomed warmly by locals.

Best Time to Visit Chittagong

The best time to visit Chittagong is between October and March, when the weather is mild and dry. The summers (April to September) can be hot and humid, and monsoon rains can make getting around difficult.

Do’s and Don’ts of Chittagong

Do:

Dress modestly
Respect local customs and traditions
Try local food and drink
Learn a few words of Bengali

Don’t:

Eat with your left hand
Touch someone with your feet
Point with your feet
Shake hands with someone of the opposite sex (unless they offer)

Safety and Health

Safety in Chittagong

Chittagong is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should take precautions to avoid theft and pickpocketing. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night.

Health in Chittagong

Visitors to Chittagong should be up-to-date on all routine vaccinations, and may also require vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and yellow fever. It is also important to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and malaria.

Getting to Chittagong: Transportation Options and Logistics

Chittagong is easily accessible by air, land, and sea.

Airports Near Chittagong

Shah Amanat International Airport is the main airport in Chittagong, and is located about 16 km from the city center. Airlines that operate flights to and from Chittagong include Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Air Asia, and Regent Airways.

Bus Stations Near Chittagong

Chittagong is well-connected by bus to other cities in Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar, and Sylhet. The main bus terminal in Chittagong is the Chittagong Central Bus Terminal.

Other Options

Chittagong is also accessible by train, with regular services to and from Dhaka and other cities in Bangladesh. The main train station in Chittagong is Chittagong Railway Station.

How to Get Around in Chittagong

Chittagong has a good public transportation system, including buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. Taxis and auto-rickshaws can be hailed on the street, while buses can be accessed from the main bus terminal. However, taxis and auto-rickshaws are often the most convenient and comfortable option for tourists.

Where to Go Next from Chittagong: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that you might want to consider:

Cox’s Bazar - This seaside town is home to the longest natural beach in the world, and is a popular destination for tourists.
Bandarban - This hilly district is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, including trekking and hiking.
Srimangal - This town is located in the tea-producing region of Bangladesh, and is a great place to learn about tea production and culture.

Conclusion

Chittagong is a vibrant and fascinating destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in culture and history, outdoor adventure, or just relaxing on the beach, Chittagong has it all. With this comprehensive guide in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to have an unforgettable trip to this beautiful city.