adventure tourism in bangladesh

Backpacking in Bangladesh: A Complete Guide for 2024

Ah, where do I even start? I had no idea what to expect when I decided to go backpacking in Bangladesh. This is one of the least visited countries in the world , and it’s not a destination many travellers consider travelling to.

I’m spending my last days in Bangladesh as I’m writing this, and guess what? I don’t want to leave! This country surprised me in so many ways, from the out-of-this-world hospitality of the Bangladeshi people to the adventures lurking around every corner.

Bangladesh is not the easiest country to travel in, though, and it’s not a destination everyone will love. But if you do consider this country as your next travel destination, I hope this guide will help you plan your travels.

Disclaimer : As I’m from Belgium , this post was written from a Western point of view. Travelling in Bangladesh might be different depending on where you’re from.

Backpacking in Bangladesh: Everything You Need to Know

From the cost of travelling and how to get around to safety and the best places to visit, here is everything you need to know if you want to go travelling or backpacking in Bangladesh.

Safety of backpacking in Bangladesh

As not so much is known about travelling to this country, one of the main concerns you might have is if Bangladesh is safe. Government websites don’t paint a very positive image of this country, and when Bangladesh is in the news, you mostly read about Islamic extremism , floods or collapsing buildings .

However, government websites and the news don’t always paint a true picture of what it’s like to actually be in a country.

In my experience, Bangladesh is a safe country , and it’s home to some of the most helpful and hospitable people I have ever met (seriously, it’s heartwarming!).

I spent 1 month backpacking across the country solo, using public transportation to get around, and I never felt unsafe. Each time I was stuck because a rickshaw driver didn’t understand what I was saying, for example, 10 men spontaneously came to the rescue.

This being said, it speaks for itself that you should always use your common sense and take some precautions. Don’t walk alone in uncrowded areas at night and don’t tell people where you’re staying, for example.

Solo female travel in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country where it’s uncommon to see foreigners… let alone a woman alone. On top of that, Bangladesh is highly patriarchal. This is something that has improved over the years, but it’s not nearly where it should be.

But how does this affect backpacking in Bangladesh as a solo female traveller?

Well, people were mostly baffled that I was travelling alone (read: without a man). However, I had a more pleasant experience here than I had in Rajasthan , in neighbouring India .

Something that kept coming back is that people were worried about me. For example, men told me it wasn’t safe for me to travel alone because something bad could happen or they would say I could contact them if I needed help. People also seemed to want to make sure I was staying at secure hotels and on one occasion the police stopped the traffic so that I could cross the street.

Whenever I told them I was fine, they would leave me alone, though, so I didn’t experience any of this in a negative way.

However, some occasions in Dhaka weren’t nice too. A man decided to show me his willy, for example, and a rickshaw driver aggressively tried to get me on his rickshaw for reasons I still don’t understand. This being said, every time something bad happened, other men would stand up for me.

So, all in all, solo female travel in Bangladesh can be challenging, but it’s not something an experienced solo female traveller cannot do.

>> Read: Solo Travel in India: A Complete Guide

Cost of travelling in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one of the cheapest countries to travel to in Asia . It’s cheaper than India , Nepal , Cambodia and most other Asian countries. You will find some examples of what you can expect to pay below.

This being said, due to a tourist infrastructure that’s in its early stages, some things are a bit more expensive in Bangladesh . An example is renting a scooter or a bicycle, which can’t be done in many places.

I paid 1500 Tk to rent a scooter for 8 hours in Cox’s Bazar and 500 Tk to rent a bicycle for 8 hours in Sreemangal.

Best time to visit Bangladesh

The best time to go travelling or backpacking in Bangladesh is during the Winter , which is from December to February . At this time of the year, the weather will be at its best. It won’t be too hot and there won’t be much rain either.

I visited Bangladesh from late January to late February, and the weather was perfect – around 30°C during the day and 20°C at night. It never rained while I was there, and it wasn’t too humid.

As of March, it starts getting hotter, and the rainy season starts in April and ends in September. It will be hot, rainy and humid at this time of the year, so this is not the best time to visit the country.

Visa for Bangladesh

Most countries can get a visa on arrival at the airport. The visa is valid for 1 month and costs $50 + tax ($2 or $3). It has to be paid in USD, so make sure you have USD cash.

You will also need to either have your hotel booking printed out or send it to an email address that they will give you at the airport (there is wifi). Another thing they will ask for is a return flight ticket. I didn’t have one, though, and it wasn’t a problem.

Do check the latest visa information for Bangladesh for the latest updates.

Internet and SIM cards

As I work online, the internet was something I was worrying about before going to Bangladesh. However, I was pleasantly surprised!

Over the years, Bangladesh’s 4G network has improved a lot, and I almost always had coverage while I was there. This includes boat, bus and train rides.

When it comes to the wifi in hotels, cafes and restaurants, I was pleasantly surprised too. Most of the hotels I stayed at had pretty good wifi (also in the room). There were some exceptions, though, and the connection wasn’t always stable, but it’s like that in many countries.

Buying a SIM card in Bangladesh

You will find counters selling SIM cards right outside of the airport. I bought a Grameenphone sim card , which has the best network coverage.

I paid 750 Tk for a sim card and 30 GB of internet. You can easily top up too – both via the app as well as in shops. To give you an idea of the cost of topping up: 7 GB costs 134 Tk, 30 GB costs 399 Tk and 60 GB costs 598 Tk. There are many more options, though!

So all in all, Bangladesh might not be the most obvious destination for digital nomads, but it is definitely possible to work remotely here.

Health and pollution

Pollution is a big, big problem in Bangladesh. In fact, Bangladesh is the most polluted country in the world and this greatly affects the health of the people who live here.

But Bangladesh is also very dusty during the Winter months (it doesn’t rain at this time of the year), and while I was cycling around Sreemangal, I asked myself whether it was a good idea…

Besides that, Bangladesh is far from having the best healthcare system in the world, although they are working on improving it.

When it comes to food, I didn’t get sick, but I was already travelling in Asia for a year when I arrived in Bangladesh, so my stomach may have gotten used to the food.

Getting around Bangladesh

You will find everything you need to know about how to get around in Bangladesh below. The first section is for long distances and the second one is for short distances.

Getting from one place to another

• Bus: There are many buses in Bangladesh, and they’re more comfortable than you might think! You can simply head to the bus office, buy a ticket, wait a bit and go. Buses can be booked in advance too, but the online system doesn’t work, so you will have to head to the bus office if you want to do so. People told me that booking in advance wasn’t necessary, though, so I didn’t and always had a seat.
• Train: I’ve heard that taking the train is the best way of transportation. However, when I visited Bangladesh, the trains were already fully booked days (if not weeks) in advance. I took the train once though and had a standing ticket. This led to an embarrassing situation because people wouldn’t let me stand, and started debating what to do with me. I ended up paying an extra 300 Tk so that the conductor would “fix me a seat”. However, he ended up kicking another guy from his seat so that I could sit, AWKWARD!
• Launch: In my opinion, you have to take the launch at least once when you’re in Bangladesh, it’s quite an experience! These are big ferries that travel along the river, and from what I’ve heard, this is the favourite way of transportation for Bangladeshi!
• Private car: You can also hire a private car, which is comfortable and fast, but it will also be expensive.

Fun fact: When you take an overnight launch and it arrives at your destination around, say, 4 or 5 am, you can stay on it for a couple more hours. It usually stays there all day anyway. Do make sure to check this in advance, though, just to be sure.

Getting around in cities or villages

• Rickshaw: You will find plenty of rickshaws in Bangladesh. These are perfect for short distances and they’re cheap too.
• CNG: CNGs are Bangladesh’s tuk-tuks. What I love about them is that they’re closed, so you won’t need to worry about theft.
• Mahindra: This is a shared mini truck that follows a fixed route. It’s a great alternative for medium distances when there’s no bus.
• Public bus: Another cheap way of getting around is by taking the public bus. They’re less comfortable than inter-city buses but taking the public bus is a good way of saving money.
• Uber: Although Uber is available in big cities, it didn’t work very well for me. Out of the seven times I ordered an Uber, only one showed up (the one at the airport). The rest of them cancelled after calling me and figuring out I didn’t speak Bangla.

Note that most rickshaw and CNG drivers don’t speak or read English and can’t read maps either. However, each time I wanted to take one, friendly passers-by would always come help translate and negotiate the price for me.

You can also mention the location you’d like to go to, and if the driver knows where it is but doesn’t speak English, you can show him the amount of money you’re willing to pay.

Renting a scooter, motorbike or bicycle

As far as I know, the only place with scooter rental shops is Cox’s Bazar. This city also opened Bangladesh’s first bike rental service in 2019.

I rented a scooter in Cox’s Bazar and it was pretty expensive. I paid 1500 Tk for 8 hours (price non-negotiable), and an extra 540 Tk for 4 litres of gas. This being said, cruising along Marine Drive was more than worth it!

In Sreemangal, I found a place that rents bicycles and paid 500 Tk for a bicycle from 10 am to 6 pm. This is a great place to cycle around, as you will find many tea plantations here.

What to wear in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is majorly Islamic and very conservative. On top of that, the people here are not used to seeing foreigners.

Men can wear T-shirts and pants, and shorts are okay at the beach . I didn’t see men wearing shorts or tank tops in the streets (except for remote villages), so I wouldn’t do it as a tourist either.

Women, on the other hand, never show their legs, don’t show any cleavage and usually wear tops with sleeves covering their elbows (I did see some women wearing t-shirts with sleeves that only cover their shoulders though but it was rare). It’s good to know that wearing a headscarf isn’t necessary in Bangladesh.

I felt most comfortable wearing a Bangladeshi dress and scarf (this really makes a difference) or a shalwar kameez . The latter is a traditional outfit that’s worn by many women in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. It consists of three pieces – loose pants (salwar), a tunic (kameez) and a scarf. You can buy these at markets or in shops in any city in Bangladesh.

There were days on which I wore Western clothes (loose pants and a t-shirt) too, but I felt like people stared at me more then.

Other things you should know

Here are some things you should know before backpacking in Bangladesh. These will help you determine if this is the right country for you.

Bangladesh is not an easy country to travel in

Backpacking in Bangladesh is not like it is in Southeast Asia, and I would definitely not recommend it as your first backpacking trip. Travelling here comes with some unique challenges. You will have to figure out how things work and be patient sometimes.

However, if you’re up for an adventure and love going off the beaten path, then Bangladesh might be the perfect destination for you!

You will get stared at… A LOT

People won’t only stare at you in the streets, but they’ll also gather around you when you’re drinking a cup of tea, for example, or ask for selfies. This is something that can happen in more untouristy places in India too, but Bangladesh takes it to another level.

The reason why people stare so much is that they’re not used to seeing foreigners, and they (usually) don’t mean anything bad with it.

If this is something that makes you really uncomfortable, you might want to reconsider choosing Bangladesh as your next travel destination. I think you do get used to it, though.

People are incredibly friendly (and very, very curious)

What I loved the most in Bangladesh are the Bangladeshi people. Together with Pakistanis, these are some of the warmest , most helpful and most hospitable people I’ve ever met.

Backpacking in Bangladesh goes hand in hand with people inviting you to eat at their homes, people treating you to tea or snacks because “you’re a guest in our country” and people wanting to make sure that you’re okay and don’t need any help.

I could go on and on about how sweet people are in Bangladesh and how I got bombarded with gifts, but this is something you will have to experience yourself.

Bangladeshi are also very curious and will ask where you’re from all the time. Some might ask for a selfie or ask more questions (what are you doing in Bangladesh, are you married, what’s your religion, etc.). I always said I was married and Christian. Neither of these is true, but telling the truth usually leads to a lot of confusion and a hundred more questions.

Another thing I loved is that no one tried to get me into their shops, and in most places (the only exception was Moheshkhali Island), rickshaw and CNG drivers didn’t stalk me after I told them I didn’t need a ride (they smiled and nodded instead). I really wish the shopkeepers and rickshaw drivers of India could take an example of this.

I do want to add that I came across bad people too, but there are bad people in every country. Also, for every bad person I encountered, ten good men spontaneously stood up for me.

Alcohol is very hard to find

Over 90% of Bangladesh’s population doesn’t consume any alcohol, and being a majorly Muslim country, the rules for buying or consuming alcohol are quite strict.

Some bars and restaurants do serve alcohol, but I didn’t come across any while I was there (though I didn’t look for them either).

Best places to visit in Bangladesh

So, now that you know the basics of travelling in Bangladesh, you might wonder what there is to see in this country. You will find the best places to visit below.

Without a doubt, Dhaka is the craziest city I’ve ever been to. Bangladesh’s capital is the most densely populated city in the world, and the best way I can describe it is as Delhi on a whole other level.

If you decide to go backpacking in Bangladesh, chances are that Dhaka is the place you will arrive. Make sure to visit Old Dhaka while you’re there, this is where you will find the capital’s bustling and immensely crowded streets.

Some interesting places to visit in Old Dhaka are Ahsan Manzil (the Pink Palace pictured above), Tara Masjid , the Armenian Church , Lalbagh Fort and Chawkbazar .

Located 25 km (16 mi) from Dhaka, Sonargaon was the old capital of Bengal , which now consists of West Bengal – a state in India and Eastern Bengal – which is Bangladesh. Bengal was a kingdom ruled by Bais Rajput leader Isa Khan and it was known as “The City of Panam”.

Sonargaon is the place where you will find the oldest buildings in Bangladesh, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs!

The main tourist attractions in Sonargaon are the Folk Art & Crafts Museum , the ghost city of Panam Nagar and the historical Goaldi Mosque .

Sreemangal is famous for being Bangladesh’s tea capital . I rented a bicycle here and cycled around Finlay Tea Estate, which is the largest tea plantation in Sreemangal. I did read that foreigners are not allowed to enter the place. However, when I was there, the guard let me in.

Another popular thing to do in Sreemangal is to head to Nilkantha Tea Cabin , which is famous for its 7-layered tea . Every layer has a different taste, but it doesn’t really taste like tea.

I also visited Lawachara National Park , which is 10 km (6 mi) from Sreemangal. You can visit a small village in the forest, which is home to the Khasi Tribe – one of the few remaining matriarchal tribes in the world.

Sylhet is both the name of a city and a division (the one Sreemangal is in). Apart from visiting this city, you can go on numerous day trips from here.

Some examples are Ratargul Swamp Forest , Bisnakandi and Lalakhal – these are great if you’re a nature lover.

I haven’t made it to Sylhet yet but will make sure to visit it on my next trip to Bangladesh.

Chittagong is Bangladesh’s second-largest city and it’s also home to the largest port in the country.

In all honesty, there’s not so much to do in Chittagong, but I still enjoyed exploring this city’s streets and visiting the port and War Cemetery .

Another one of Chittagong’s highlights is the ship-breaking yard , which is the second largest in the world. I didn’t go here, though. You will have to befriend a local if you want to go, and even then, they might not let you in. They don’t like people walking around with cameras here, as the working conditions are horrible .

Chittagong is also the gateway to the Chittagong Hill Tracts , which borders India and Myanmar . This place is famous for its lush green nature and hills. However, foreigners need a permit to go here as it’s politically unstable, and it can take up to three weeks for it to be approved.

Cox’s Bazar

Although I’m not much of a beach lover , Cox’s Bazar was one of my favourite places to visit in Bangladesh. With 120 km (75 mi), this is the longest beach in the world , and wait until you see the BEAUTIFUL sampan boats! They look as if they’re coming straight out of a pirate movie. So make sure not to miss Cox’s Bazar when you’re backpacking in Bangladesh.

My favourite thing to do in Cox’s Bazar was to cruise along Marine Drive with the scooter. This road follows the coastline and the scenery along the way is beautiful.

I also visited Maheshkhali Island after concluding that Sonadia Island would be too difficult to reach if you don’t want to hire a private boat.

Barishal is another place that holds a special place in my heart thanks to the sweet people I met there.

This place is famous for the cultivation of guavas in the Summer months. There’s a floating guava market in Bhimruli, which is 30 km (18 mi) from Barisal city (and a pain in the ass to reach).

When I went to Bhimruli in February, the floating market wasn’t held. I ended up meeting a local there who took me on a boat trip, though, which was pretty cool!

The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world. It stretches along the Bay of Bengal in India and Bangladesh.

You will find many rare wildlife species here, including the royal Bengal tiger, the estuarine crocodile, the Gangetic dolphin and the ridley turtle.

The city of Khulna is the gateway to the Sundarbans. I didn’t go there, however, as you need a permit to visit the Sundarbans as a foreigner, and when you add up all of the costs (permit, entry fee, camera fee, transport, boat), it gets quite expensive.

Where I Stayed

Bangladesh surprised me in many ways, and so did the accommodation in this country. I was expecting dirty, mouldy hotels and lots of cockroaches, like in India, but this wasn’t the case! (sorry India, but it’s true)

It might have been luck, though, I’m not sure. You can find the places where I stayed below. These are budget to mid-range hotels and I paid between 800 Tk and 2200 Tk per night.

Dhaka: The Grand Hyatt – This hotel is not so far from Old Dhaka but it’s located on a more quiet street. It has beautiful, clean rooms and the staff is super friendly. Sreemangal: Green Leaf Guesthouse – Although the rooms are nice, this is the only hotel I stayed at in Bangladesh where the rooms weren’t very clean. They also told me they don’t work with Agoda anymore, but I could still stay there. Chittagong: Hotel Regent Park – A clean, budget hotel that is located right in the centre of Chittagong. The rooms are nice and the staff is great. Cox’s Bazar: Primacy Opelia Beach Resort – You will be treated like a prince(ss) if you stay at this hotel, the hospitality here is incredible! I had a big, clean room with many windows here. Barishal: Hotel Arena – This was my favourite place to stay in Bangladesh! The rooms are clean and spacious, the staff is friendly and they have a rooftop restaurant with an amazing view.

Tip: Note that Bangladesh is LOUD. It’s not unusual to hear lots of noise from the street in your hotel room, so make sure to bring earplugs (unless you don’t mind).

Backpacking in Bangladesh: Final Thoughts

That was it! I hope this guide on how to go travelling or backpacking in Bangladesh will help you.

I do want to add that Bangladesh is not a destination everyone will like . It’s not easy to travel in, it’s very polluted and densely populated.

HOWEVER, Bangladesh is home to some beautiful places and the hospitality of the Bangladeshi people is out of this world . This is the reason why I can’t wait to visit this country again (and I will).

So, if you’re looking for an adventurous destination where you will meet plenty of friendly locals, then yes, Bangladesh is the perfect destination for you!

I shared a lot about backpacking in Bangladesh in my Instagram stories too. Make sure to check them out if you want to see what it’s like to travel here.

Read more about Bangladesh:

• 8 Things to Do in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
• Lawachara National Park, Sreemangal: A Complete Guide

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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Amazing tips, thanks for sharing, going there next week!

Thank you, I’m glad it’s helpful 🙂 Enjoy Bangladesh!

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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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Bangladesh and beyond.

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

I’m planning a trip to India with my kids and after reading your blog I’m now wanting to also head to Bangladesh as well. I’m a bit undecided at the moment though as it would need to be at the end of September (around school holidays) so I’m worried about the amount of rain.

I see that a lot of the Sundarbans tours are for a couple of nights but you guys only did a day trip? Do you think a day was enough to get a nice feel for it? I think I’d prefer the day trip option.

Is it worth visiting both Sreemangal and Sylhet or are they similar?

I’m very interested in staying in Ekduaria Village for a couple of nights, I think it would be great for my boys.

Cheers Brendan

Hi Brendan awesome to hear that! And yes we have lots of info for Sylhet and Sreemangal and great contacts for the Sundarbans and Exduaria. Could you send us a message and it would be easier to send details directly to you there. An incredible place! Bangladesh is an amazing experience.

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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Home » Bangladesh Travel » Adventure Travel in Bangladesh, Travel

Adventure Travel in Bangladesh, Travel

Adventure travel in Bangladesh is very popular. With its diverse and expansive landscape, amazing wildlife and rich cultural heritage, there are many adventures just waiting to be enjoyed in this beautiful country. Whether it is hiking through the hills, gliding across river waters or spending time with a tribe, Bangladesh's adventure travel options are endless. Tour operators and adventure travel companies in Bangladesh provide a wide variety of itineraries and tour options to tourists.

Bangladesh’s adventure travel companies offer one day to one week or longer experiences. These tours will take you all over Bangladesh, many to remote, pristine locations. Adventure travel is for all age groups who are young at heart and want to experience Bangladesh in a unique way. Tours will often include a variety of activities such as horseback riding, swimming, boat cruises and cultural experiences.

One of the most popular Bangladeshi adventure travel tours is a trip to a tribal village , typically in the Chittagong hills. Spend a day or several nights in the village getting to know the community whilst learning about their customs and way of life. Join in with the daily activities such as weaving, agricultural work, caring for cattle and fishing. Life in the villages is very rustic, but tour operators ensure you have all you need. After enjoying some association and a good meal in the evening, you can drift to sleep in a traditional village home.

Horseback riding can be enjoyed at several locations in Bangladesh. Not only can you take in the amazing natural beauty of Bangladesh, but you can also spend time with these perceptive and intelligent creatures. Another great adventure in Bangladesh that involves animal life is helping sea turtle conservationists. This is an incomparable experience.

These are just a few of Bangladesh’s adventure travel options . Contact a tour operator in Bangladesh to find out what they offer and don’t forget to compare rates. We are certain you will have a wonderful time exploring this wonderful country.

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Adventure Travel in Bangladesh

The mostly untapped resources for adventure travel here lie in the unspoiled bits of nature in the flatlands, the huge meandering waterways, the verdant hills in the southeast, the various remote villages all over the country, and the numerous varying ecosystems, the char regions. Even many of the so-thought mundane things for many of us, like fishing in the river, staying in a mud/bamboo house and experiencing the simple village life, can actually be quite adventurous to city dwellers uninitiated to rural life.

The pre-requisite for adventure travel, first and foremost, is the potential for thrill — the adrenaline rush that can become quite addictive. The first view that takes your breath away after trekking to the top of a mountain, snorkelling under water to see colourful marine life, whooshing down zip lines over deep valleys, jumping off a hillside to glide down with a parachute, etc. all have that one element in common — excitement. But there are other factors that come into play as well.

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Adventure travel is typically suitable for the young and fit, as the inherent activities require a certain level of physical exertion, which many us do not possess at a more advanced age. And as Bangladesh has a large young cohort, with many being aficionados of the unexplored, it is a sector primed for the tapping.

The travails of travel also encourage a more physically active and healthier lifestyle to truly enjoy the experience. Yet, there is no reason to stereotype the adventure traveller, as there are many versions of adventure!

Adventure tourism was simply defined as "an outdoor leisure activity that takes place in an unusual, exotic, remote, or wilderness destination, involves some form of unconventional means of transportation, and tends to be associated with low or high levels of activity," by the Canadian Tourism Commission in 1995. And according to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, a global trade network of more than 1000 businesses, destinations and media, "adventure tourism is a tourist activity that includes physical activity, cultural exchange, or activities in nature."

Combining these, the essence of adventure tourism becomes quite easy to comprehend. Activities like hiking, trekking, caving, safari, homestays, cultural exchange programmes, paragliding etc. are just some options, among many, for the adventure junkie. 

Adventure tourism can be of two kinds, hard or soft, with the primary distinction being the level of associated risk, skills, and preparation. For soft adventure, which is the easier of the two, and thus, the more realistic option for most people, includes activities like backpacking, safari, camping, birdwatching, eco-tourism, hiking, rafting, scuba, etc. for which, the help of guides and some minimal training suffices, and thus, has a lower level of risk and skill involved on the part of the traveller.

Hard adventures, on the other hand, often demand strenuous training and come with a heavy dose of adrenaline, with the extra risk! For example, mountaineering, swimming the various ocean channels, rock climbing, etc. 

For any kind of tourism to flourish, both local and international, some basic amenities have to be provided. Infrastructure like roads, information sources, trained guides and other related personnel, and intelligent development with respect to the naturally existing ecosystem and environment are expensive, and require funds, for sure. Funds which Bangladesh has to carefully allocate for the best possible utility derivation. Yet, with careful and long-term planning, it is quite possible to build up a strong and sustainable travel and adventure ecosystem.

However, so far, there seems to be no real thought behind the development of the infrastructure beyond the basic, and often banal. The very real problem of convoluted bureaucratic red tape that impedes many good or innovative initiatives, also hampers the adventure tourism sector.

There are many different bodies in Bangladesh with the mandate to oversee different sides of tourism, which is why it becomes extremely difficult for any streamlining of the processes and permissions, which are already too numerous and often seem beyond logic.

Many of the adventure activities are also considered part of 'sports', and that further complicates things, as The Bangladesh Athletic Federation is not open to or mandated to work with non-professional athletes, or control a lot of sporting activities uncommon in Bangladesh.

This further complicates things, as there is no other authority designated to deal with such issues, and this one is ill-equipped in more ways than just regulations. This makes it difficult for many good ideas to flourish, choking them even before take-off.

"In neighbouring India, with many social and bureaucratic issues similar to us, about a 100 marathon runs are organised a year, while there is not a single annual event like that in Bangladesh," said Muhammad Abdullah, a veteran adventure traveller dabbling in fitness and sports as well one of the founder members of Travellers of Bangladesh (ToB).

ToB is one of the pioneering groups of people advocating and working on adventure tourism with over a million current members, including active travellers and travel enthusiasts.

Abdullah recently organised the first-ever 100-mile marathon in Bangladesh on 17-18 January, 2020. But for the idea to materialise into reality, it was a long, convoluted, and arduous journey from various officials to officials, and department to ministry etc.

From the germination of his intention to hold such an event in Bangladesh, the sheer number of visits that he needed to make to the coastal town — a mind boggling 21— just to secure relevant permits and for a 100 km run along the Marine Drive from Inani point onwards, is a good indication of the system's pace and flaws.

This does not even consider the numerous volunteers' visits and all the effort that went into the actual event. The post-event paperwork was another issue entirely. 

Abdullah said that apart from some support from the Parjatan Corporation, which allowed the free use of its premises each time the volunteers went to prep for the marathon event, none of the government organisations helped financially, and official support took a really long time to rally.

Many individuals extended their help on a personal basis, for which Abdullah expressed appreciation, but the need for such actions only underscores how terribly unprepared and cumbersome the systems in place are for the growth of the sector.

"It is often observed that many government bodies are themselves among the worst offenders against the environment. For example, may permanent structures in the more critical areas, like that of the coral island of St. Martin's, are government-organisation controlled. In the case of St. Martin's, the island's coral base is already suffering, with large patches of coral dying or already dead, due to the unsustainable nature of tourism," Mohammad elaborated.

His opinions were echoed by Tanvir Mreedul, another traveller and an early pioneer of adventure travelling with ToB.

Mreedul also said that the lack of systematic development of guides' capacities is quite alarming, especially since there is practically none available. The basic corruption of the system starts with unprepared tourists, making unfair and unreasonable demands of the local/indigenous tribes –like carrying their bags, and sometimes even people-- corrupting the inherent structure, and thus distorting prices and the culture.

On sustainable development, Mohammad pointed out that the citizen's charter of the main beach town is alarmingly wanting, without any real directives about tourism, except outlining how guides and beach-photographers are to be registered!

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From Page 36

"There is nothing on their training, or any other relevant service or issue. This only further points to the lack of depth and thorough unpreparedness to truly nourish sustainable and adventure tourism locally," Mohammad said.

Rivers and water related adventure tourism should be a big sector of development for Bangladesh, yet the very first issue for anyone interested in such endeavours would be unravelling the red tape of bureaucracy, as five different water-related government authorities have jurisdiction over the waterbodies all over Bangladesh. Not only that, the law governing water-based motor vehicles is almost more than 70 years old, and terribly unreliable and inadequate to deal with the demands of modern technologies and times. 

Moreover, to protect against environment degradation due to unfettered and irresponsible tourism, measures should include raising awareness from the very childhood, as well as making it mandatory for all commercial tour operators to be accountable for their guests. A simple step would be to ban the influx of single use plastic into the vulnerable areas.

Moving on from broad policy issues to the finer points of tourism infrastructure, Mohammad recounted his experience of participating in two running events in Shillong and Karnataka. His experience there only pinpointed the vulnerabilities of the adventure tourism sector in Bangladesh.

The shops and consumers, even in Karnataka's remote Malnad, all used disposable plates made of parts of the areca-nut tree, actively shunning single-use plastic. Interestingly, similar plates are manufactured in Bangladesh, but are not sold locally. Not only that, even with the most minimal of communication due to language barrier, the run there went smoothly in very difficult rain conditions, and accommodations for the participants were very basic, tin houses and low-pan washrooms, but perfectly clean and dry. Also, it is not always about the existing laws, rather people's attitude towards following them.

"Development is only true when all kinds of travellers can access the services," Mohammad added. This, he feels, is yet to happen in Bangladesh.

"The biggest problem to the flourishing of adventure tourism in Bangladesh are the barriers to access, as law enforcers bar free movement in most of the areas where adventure tourism is possible otherwise," Mreedul adds.

This over-emphasis on security concerns, even in times of peace and stability, often feel exaggerated, and are actually deterrents to proper flourishing of the sector, many of the veteran travellers and operators said.

The fact that travellers have to report at multiple points and to numerous law enforcing agencies causes much loss of time, as well as an added mental hassle. Many seasoned travellers also feel that some vested quarters deliberately spread lies and exaggerated versions of security concerns in many of the tourism suited areas, simply to push prices higher and make a neat profit off of people's concerns for safety.

As more and more people take up travelling inside the country, it becomes more and more important to put in place a comprehensive system for the intelligent and sustainable development and monitoring of various aspects of tourism.

Randomly placed buildings, unplanned waste management, unfettered access, are not only detrimental to the environment, but to the indigenous communities, as well as the cultures and way of life for the locals. This, ultimately is a threat to the environment, as well as tourism.

In Bangladesh's case, one very important aspect, even more than the availability of the building of infrastructure and amenities, is the tourists' level of understanding and civic sense during the use of such services, and the reluctance to follow rules and pay due fees. Most adventure enthusiasts believe that this needs to be addressed at the root, right from the schools, so that at least future generations are more responsible.

The dire need for our people to be made aware about the etiquettes of responsible travel and general civility cannot be emphasised enough. More often than not, public sanitation facilities that I have come across in many places in Bangladesh suffered not from lack of funds, but a marked lack of common sense and decency from someone who had used them. Tissues stuffed in the sink, unflushed pans, and generally disgusting symptoms of the completely uncivilised nature of many of the tourists. And just to be clear, "formal education" has very little to do with these issues.

Let us then embark on the adventures offered in Bangladesh aplenty, without ruining the landscape forever.

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নিয়োগের ক্ষেত্রে মালয়েশিয়ার সরকারি কর্মকর্তা, এজেন্ট ও মালয়েশিয়ায় বাংলাদেশ হাইকমিশন ঘুষ নিয়েছে বলে অভিযোগ করেছেন জাতিসংঘের বিশেষজ্ঞরা।

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Welcome to Bangladesh Eco Adventure

Bangladesh, a land of unexplored beauty mixed with fascinating history situated on the world’s largest Ganges-Brahmaputra delta boarded with India & Myanmar, the country is famous for its vibrant cultures & festivity, friendly people, splendid panoramic beauties of landscape, natural wonders like worlds single largest Sundarban mangrove forest, longest unbroken sea beach in the world, green hills & hikes, photography adventures, cycling, surfing, otter fishing, heritage paddle steamer ridding, back water & floating markets , tea plantation , tribal lifestyle and many others is waiting to welcome you. To find the real Bangladesh steps into her embrace, feel the warmth & create your own map to discover the riches she holds.

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Adventure tourism prospects bright

Bangladesh, with its diverse landscapes including mountains, seas, lakes, and waterfalls, holds immense potential for adventure tourism. 

Despite the abundance of natural blessings, it has not fully exploited the potential to create adventure tourism destinations. 

While Cox’s Bazar boasts of being the longest natural sea beach, it has limited adventure tourism offerings, with only one parasailing point and a few kayaking opportunities. 

Bandarban, known for its majestic mountains, lacks adequate adventure tourism infrastructure, with only a manually operated cable car at the Meghla tourism spot. 

For example, Cox’s Bazar has only one parasailing point, while there are a few kayaking spots there. But the beach itself can promote beach surfing, kiteboarding, jet skiing, and many more. 

On the other hand, Bandarban has the most mountains, but there is only a cable car that is also operated manually at the Meghla tourism spot. It can offer more eco-tourism, trekking, hiking, rock climbing, rafting, tree hopping, zip line and many more. 

Although there is growing momentum in tourism activities through houseboats in various lake areas in the Haor areas and

 Sunamganj, the overall adventure tourism offerings remain limited. 

However, industry insiders believe that with a proper plan and investment, adventure tourism could flourish in the country. The country’s diverse geography, including hills in Chattogram Hill Tracts, Cumilla, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, offers ample opportunities for activities such as hiking, trekking, climbing, mountaineering, cave exploration, hunting, archery, and backpacking.

Secretary General of Bangladesh Adventure Tourism Association Moshiur Khandaker said, ‘Despite having lots of potential across our country, we have left behind developing our tourism sector. We will work to uplift the Adventure Tourism of our country’. 

Few inspired Facebook-based groups have emerged as pioneers in exploring and promoting new adventure tourism sites across the country. Their enthusiasm has attracted many adventure lovers to discover hidden tourist attractions like Khaiyachara falls and other lesser-known waterfalls. To witness the unique beauty of the waterfalls, there is no man made road, travelers have to trek through the trails. 

Despite Chattogram’s hilly district covering 40 percent of its land with high and low hills, the government’s efforts to develop adventure tourism infrastructure are inadequate.

The Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) has identified numerous prospects for adventure tourism in the hill regions, but visible development is yet to materialize due to various challenges.

Director of Bangladesh Tourism Board Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber said, Bangladesh has hills, mountains and forests. Apart from this, there are some artificial arrangements for adventure around the world. It is also possible in Bangladesh. For this, Bangladesh Tourism Board is working separately on adventure tourism.

According to businessmen, limited infrastructure, lack of coordination among authorities, security concerns, transportation limitations, unplanned development, and bureaucratic hurdles hinder the progress of adventure tourism. 

They sought government support for the development of adventure tourism in the country. 

Meanwhile, industry insiders have formed ‘Bangladesh Adventure Tourism Association’ (BATA) recently. President of BATA Khabir Uddin Ahmed said, “We have all put our efforts to popularize adventure tourism through our newly formed organisation.”

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Beyond Adventure & Tourism DMC is a traveler’s choice. Beside the regular holiday tours ‘Beyond’ is the FIRST and till date the ONLY licensed high-altitude adventure tour operator in Bangladesh.

In 2009 a team of young hearts started this great journey with a vision to change the way of life. We convert places into destinations. We make journey a TRAVEL. Our expert tour designers rejuvenate moments with experiences.

Our Tour Areas: – Outbound Tours (Friends & Family; Group Tour; Student packages) – Inbound Tours (we bring foreign tourists in Bangladesh) – Domestic (serving local tourists at local destinations) – Adventure (Mountaineering & Trekking) – Medical Tourism (India, Thailand, Singapore & Malaysia) – Outdoor & Camping – MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference & Events) – Festivals & Occasions – Wildlife & Photography Tour – Workshop, Training & Motivational Activities – Our out-bound tour destinations: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Philippines, China, Egypt, Turkey, Middle Asia , Russia, Japan and Europe.

Adventure Destinations: Mount Everest Base Camp & Kalapathhar Summit, Durk Path Trekking Sandakphu Trekking, Annapurna Circuit Trekking, The Jomolhari Trek, Valley of Flower Trekking, Kanchanjungha Base Camp Trekking, The Snowman Trek, Rupkund & Mystery Lake Trekking, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek, Stok Kangri Summit and there are many more adventure tours in the list…..

Domestic & In-bound Destinations we operate: Dhaka, Day-long tour from Dhaka, Sundarbans, Rangamati, Bandarban, Sylhet, Jessor & Kushtia, Bogra, Rajshahi & Dinajpur, Mymensingh, Sherpur & Birishiri, Kuakata, River life at Chandpur & Barisal, Back water beauty at Barisal, Chittagong & Khagrachori, Exotic Islands of Bangladesh, Cox’s Bazar & St. Martin.

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Thanchi: A rising star of Community-Based Tourism

September 4, 2022.

By Ramiz Uddin, Head of Experimentation, Accelerator Lab, UNDP, Bangladesh: Sohara Mehroze Shachi, Head of Solutions Mapping, Accelerator Lab, UNDP, Bangladesh: M M Zimran Khan, Head of Exploration, Accelerator Lab, UNDP, Bangladesh: Mayeda Tanha Bidushy, Communications & Reporting Officer, Accelerator Lab

Thanchi, a sub district of Bandarban Hill-district of Bangladesh, is becoming immensely popular among young people for adventure tourism. Consequently, sustainable community development through tourism as well as

conservation of natural and cultural assets of this region is becoming critical. Community-based tourism (CBT) is often appreciated as an effective pathway to conserve the nature and to create alternative livelihood opportunities for the local people.

Community-based tourism in Thanchi can generate employment opportunities in informal sector for both the indigenous as well as the Bengali communities. CBT can also be an effective pathway to conserve natural habitats and biodiversity as well as local culture since it unlocks varieties of livelihood options to the local communities in sustainable tourism businesses rather than extracting natural and other resources.

In this context, community-based tourism with a focus on small-scale, locally designed and operated activities that benefit tourists and the local tourism businesses along with the environment can be a part of strategy for sustainable tourism development with employment generation at the community level.

Some people from the indigenous community are now working as tour guides.  Their families used to depend on “Jhum” cultivation i.e., slash and burn cultivation which was inadequate to support them financially. Working as tour guides is providing them an additional source of income, with almost 40%  of the local indigenous people now directly depending on tourism. With the development of tourism, urbanization in their areas has now increased and their socio-economic condition has improved. Recently some hotels have been constructed in Thanchi Bazar. Due to urbanization in the area, the occupation of the indigenous people has also changed. Around one member from each family is working as a tourist guide . For the safety of the tourists, the guides have to register themselves with the local government (UNO) office. The rate for the guides is also fixed.

In addition to being guides, there are a variety of employment opportunities related to tourism- some people are working as tourist vehicle drivers (locally called Chander Gari), some are renting boats to the tourists, and some are involved in hotel and restaurant business. Many people are also involved in photography, and this is a great income source for them. Every family is now somehow involved with tourism, and they are no longer dependent on Jhum cultivation alone. With the development of tourism, now the local people have schools for their children where education is being provided in their native languages. The agriculture-based economy of Thanchi has now transformed into a tourism-based economy. The living standards of the area has also improved. According to UNO office Thanchi, there is no beggar in the area. Everybody has a job to run his or her family.

However, while urbanization and tourism may improve their economic status, their culture is also being affected  as a huge number of tourists are visiting these areas and exchange of cultural attributes are obvious here. Winning the hearts and minds of people living in the hills is important to eliminate any sort of extreme political ideas that might have taken root since CHT has a volatile political past.

Creating an environment which allows the locals to reap the benefit of growing domestic tourism industry can be a good start. But lack of knowledge amongst the relevant stakeholders regarding sustainable tourism development is a challenge.  To address these issues, training must be provided to tour guides as the tourists to ensure adequate employment generation, as well as safeguarding the indigenous people’s culture and the environment.

Keywords for SEO: Community-based Tourism, Indigenous Community, Sustainable Cities & Consumption, Sustainable Tourism, Tourism & Development, Decent Work, Informal Employment, Informal Workforce, Natural Biodiversity, Responsible Consumption & Production.

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Bangladesh Travels and tours: cheap, budget travel with professional English local guides

EXPEDITIONS INTO EVERY CORNER RIVERWAY AND FOREST OF BANGLA

Our company provides secure, guided, adventurous tours in all of Bangladesh. From city trips in the bustling capital of Dhaka to cooking workshops, visiting the mangroves comfortably on a boat to the Chittagong Hills, tiger safari in Subarban, relaxing in St. Martin’s Island to helicopter tours. We also assist television crews and can help you chartering your planes, helicopters and boats as well. This is South Asia’s hidden pearl, as raw as it gets with plenty of hospitable people and adventures waiting for you. Come see it all with Bangladesh Travel and Tours at an affordable price!

Our guides have been in the travel industry for many years and have extensive experience all over the country as well with cross-country traveling to neighboring countries. We have a broad network of contacts in all kinds of sectors out of the tourism sector, meaning we can assure safe and comfortable traveling. We’re also close partners with Bangladesh’ leading security industry and cargo handlers, so we’re happy to help you out with your business in Bangladesh as well.

Welcome to South Asia’s best hidden secret, Bangladesh. It’s big brothers India and Pakistan have been known by the big public for many years, but most people don’t know about the beauty the smaller Bangladesh has to offer. Not suffering from pushy vendors and beggars like its neighbor, Bangladesh offers true authentic hospitality with friendly people eager to show you around in their country, tell you more about their culture and share beautiful experiences with you. Get lost on a tuk tuk in Dhaka, taste excellent grilled fish at Cox’s bazar and float deep into the mangroves on one of the many waterways crossing the country, exploring its villages, deep lush forests and be on the lookout for tigers! Welcome to Bangladesh!

Born in Bangla!

• Three weeks tour of Bangladesh
• Ultimate Tour of Bangladesh
• Bangladesh Highlights Trip: The Asia of Yesteryear
• Bangladesh Cultural 11-day Tour
• Bangladesh: Travel Like a Local, ten day tour
• Bangladesh: River Exploration
• Bangladesh: cultures and tribes tour
• Hiking Holiday in Bangladesh
• Biking Holiday in Bangladesh
• Adventure in the deep green region of Srimangal and Sylhet
• Tiger Spotting in the Mangroves of Sundarbans National Park
• Bangladesh’ tropical beaches and green hills exploration
• The Mysterious Green Hills of Bangladesh
• Coastal Adventure in Bangladesh
• Floating markets, paddle steamers and mangrove exploration in the Bangladesh Delta
• Luxury tour of Bangladesh including helicopter flight over the delta
• Luxury tour of Bangladesh (option without helicopter)
• Off the beaten path in West-Bangladesh
• Delta exploration: floating markets, mangroves and tiger spotting
• 24-Day Total Tour
• Discover The Backwaters: Floating Market And Kuakata Beach
• Breathtaking Bandarban Exploration
• Sajek Valley – Experience The Valley Of Clouds
• Experience Sreemangal And The Monipuri Way of Life
• 11-Day Bangladesh Tour
• 5-Day Tour of Bangladesh
• Dhaka City Tour
• Dhaka Food Tour
• Dhaka Food Workshop
• Sonargaon Old Capital Tour
• Helicopter tour over the mangroves
• Pottery Workshop
• River Cruise To Murapara Zamindar Palace
• History And Culture In Panam City And Sonargaon
• Nikli Haor To Chatir Char Swamp Forest By Boat – Wetlands Exploration
• Wetlands Exploration: From Dhaka Nikli Haor and Chatir Char Swamp Forest
• Boat Cruise Tour: The Kaptai lake
• Boat Cruise from Ratargul to Bholaganj Sada Pathor through Bholaganj
• St. Martins Tropical Island Day Trip
• Shipwreck dismantling tour
• Kaptai Lake Day Tour
• Bandarban Exploration
• Lawachara Forest Reserve Visit
• Lalakhal And Jaflong
• Ratargul And Bholaganj Sada Pathor
• Rema Kalenga Reserve Forest
• Madhabpur Lake, Lawachara and Baikka Beel
• Cultural Immersion With The Manipuri Tribe
• Honey Hunting In The Sundarbans
• Otter Fishing At Narail
• Explore Rangamati By Houseboat
• Cruising The Sundarbans Of Bangladesh
• Waterways Adventure In Sylhet
• Tanguar Haor Houseboat Experience
• Kaptai Lake And Sajek Valley Waterways Tour
• Boga Lake Hiking Tour From Chittagong
• Saint Martin Overnight Stay
• Sundarban Helicopter Rental Trip
• Visa service in Bangladesh
• Car Rental in Bangladesh
• 3-day Car Rent with Guide and Interpreter
• Private boat rental in Bangladesh
• Private plane and helicopter charters in Bangladesh
• Security services in Bangladesh
• Film permits and Research Projects in Bangladesh
• An introduction to Bangladesh
• History of Bangladesh
• Bangladesh: geography, culture, fauna and flaura and more
• Travel in Bangladesh
• Ten most beautiful destinations in Bangladesh
• Twenty surprising facts about Bangladesh as a travel destination
• Bengali cuisine
• Ten must-do activities when you’re traveling in Bangladesh

EXOTIC TRAVEL & ADVENTURES IN BANGLADESH

Bangladesh is rarely considered a tourist destination. What people know of it generally comes from news reports: floods, cyclones, political strife, tragedies in garment factories. It’s way off most travelers’ radar screen. “Come before the tourists visit” is an old slogan but it couldn’t be more true. How many places are there left in the world that is not swarming with tourists? Off the beaten track, yet Bangladesh has all sorts of treats to offer the discerning tourist.

Community ecotourism at it’s very best!

Unique cultural learning opportunities and village home stays in the hill tribe regions of Bangladesh. Sea beach & island holidays, mangrove forest & river cruises — plus other customized adventures with an emphasis on true people-to-people exchanges…

Get off the beaten track, interact with indigenous and tribal folk to experience and learn about their unique completely nonviolent culture and lifestyle. These are ‘people-meet-people’ encounters at their very best. Our tours tread softly — respecting the environment and culture while fully enjoying the natural ambiance of this charming, undiscovered and often neglected region. We are the only Eco or cultural tour group in the country.

Float down shimmering rivers in wooden country boats, trek through lush forests to discover hidden Mru villages on verdant hilltops. After lounging on palm-fringed beaches, take a quaint country launch to explore ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples on offshore islands in the Bay of Bengal. These and many more options allow you to experience a Bangladesh that few people would imagine. Your home stays and lasting friendships with the local and indigenous people may be the most memorable part of your genuine Eco-adventure.

Tailor-made, personalized itineraries from two days to two weeks, chosen accommodation with local families or in quaint lodges, varied and select vegetarian cuisine, great companionship, experienced & caring guides and proven reliability are our hallmarks.

We excel, as we love and know this region well and live among its people. We wish to share with you a rare and exceptional experience that you will cherish forever. You will tour in very small groups of two to six, enough to have fun and make friends, yet small enough to be flexible and minimize impact on the traditional cultures and the environment. These are true ‘community-ecotourism’ and ‘ people meeting people’ experiences.

Come and join us in a traditional dance in honor of a banana leaf delivered by a cow, with a special message from the creator to the Mru people.

Bangladesh Adventure Club

Promoting adventure sports and activities among the youths of the country in order to building their personalities and characters by infusing in them a sense of discipline and national pride.

Bangladesh Adventure Club (BAC) regarded as leading adventure sports event management org, organizes off/on road adventure sporting events across Bangladesh. It aimed to promote and facilitate adventure activities such as mountaineering, trekking, hiking, bungee jumping, mountain biking, canoeing, scuba diving, rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, paragliding, hiking, exploring, sandboarding, caving and rock climbing, surfing and sea expedition in Bangladesh.

BAC has regarded as leading adventure sports event management organization, BAC organizing – Adventure School, Youth Leadership Expedition, Mountain Challenge, Trekking Challenge, MTB Challenge, Expedition Planning, Survival Course, Low and high rope course, Camp Management Course, Tiger Run, Tiger trail’ Cross Country, Swatch of No Ground Expedition, Cleanup Summit, International Mountain Day, Mountain Fair, Adventure Camps, Summer Camp & Winter Camps.

Adventurous in our outlook, discovering in our ways.

To us, a true adventure intends getting under the skin of the places your travelling to and gaining unique memories that will last a lifetime, and so this is always what we aim to achieve on our everyday.

We want to bring the joy of adventure in people’s life, It’s our goal to create a community full of youthful adventurous souls.

Our Services

Adventure tourism, adventure sports, event management, adventure camps, adventure training, online sessions.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” — Ibn Battuta

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Travel Adventures

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Travel Adventures is one of the major wholesaler of Global travel services in Dhaka, Bangladesh, catering of travel products to corporate, agencies, tour operators as well as to power B2B websites at the global level.

Travel Adventures is a Partnership concern established in 2011 as a wholesale travel agent & B2B company for global travel services catering to corporate & travel agents all across Bangladesh and building our network around the world.

• 24/7 Online & Offline Support
• All International & Domestic Air ticketing.
• User friendly B2B online reservation system.
• Real-time Rates and availability.
• Wide range of Products consisting Hotels, Packages, Transfers, Sightseeing, Group Requests.
• Visa Assistance and Processing.
• Medical Tourism.