Things To Do
in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a densely populated South Asian country of riverine plains, vibrant cities, and lush green hills in the southeast. Its culture blends centuries of Bengali literature, music, craft traditions and strong culinary identity centered on rice, fish and spicy flavors. The landscape ranges from the Sundarbans mangrove delta — home to the Royal Bengal tiger — to the long sandy beach at Cox's Bazar and misty tea gardens in Sylhet and Srimangal.

Visitors encounter warm hospitality, colorful festivals, and a fast-paced urban life in Dhaka contrasted with tranquil rural waterways.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Dhaka
morning
:

Upon your arrival in Dhaka, you'll be greeted by the vibrant energy of the city. After checking into your hotel, spend the morning strolling around the streets of Old Dhaka, where the historical architecture and lively markets will immerse you in local culture. Don't miss the chance to try some freshly prepared street food as you wander.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the Lalbagh Fort, a stunning 17th-century Mughal fort that offers a glimpse into the country's past. Explore the lush gardens and learn about its history while capturing beautiful photos of the intricate architecture. Afterward, head to the nearby Ahsan Manzil, the former home of the Nawab of Dhaka.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Buriganga River. The view of the river at dusk, bustling with boats and life, is a mesmerizing experience. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the riverbank, absorbing the sounds and sights of the lively capital.

day 2
Explore Srimangal
morning
:

Travel to Srimangal, the tea capital of Bangladesh, and begin your day with a refreshing nature walk through lush green tea gardens. The morning air is filled with the scent of tea leaves and the sounds of chirping birds, creating a serene atmosphere. Meet local tea workers and learn about the tea-picking process.

afternoon
:

Visit the Lawachara National Park in the afternoon, where you can take guided treks through the dense forests to spot unique wildlife. Look out for the endangered hoolock gibbons and experience the tranquility of nature. This enchanting environment is perfect for photography and deep reflection.

evening
:

As evening approaches, return to your lodge and enjoy a traditional Bengali dinner made from local ingredients. The soulful atmosphere of the countryside will enhance your culinary experience. End the evening with an engaging storytelling session around a bonfire.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$2-5
Coffee / Tea at a cafe$0.80-2
🚕Short taxi / CNG ride$1-4
🏨Mid-range hotel (double)$30-70
🚌Intercity bus / local transport$0.30-10

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage, festivals and friendly hospitality
  • Dramatic, diverse landscapes from Sundarbans to hills and long beaches
  • Affordable travel costs and vibrant local cuisine
  • Unique photographic and riverine experiences not found elsewhere
  • Heavy traffic and chaotic urban environments (especially Dhaka)
  • Monsoon season can disrupt travel and cause flooding
  • Limited infrastructure in remote areas and variable accommodation standards
  • Language barriers outside tourist hubs (English less common in rural areas)
  • "As-salamu alaykum" - Peace be upon you (common greeting)
  • "Dhonnobad (ধন্যবাদ) — Dhonnobad" - Thank you
  • "Aapni kemon achen? (আপনি কেমন আছেন?)" - How are you?
  • "Koto daam? (কত দাম?)" - How much does it cost?
  • "Kothay? (কোথায়?)" - Where is...?
  • "Shubho sokal / Shuvo shondha" - Good morning / Good evening
  • "Doya kore (দয়া করে)" - Please
  • "Ami shohayota chai" - I need help

Places to Visit in Bangladesh

Visit one of these nice places.

Sundarbans Mangrove

Tidal waterways, mangrove forests and wildlife — best for dramatic landscape and wildlife photography (book guided boat tours and permits).

Cox’s Bazar Beach

Longest natural sea beach in the world — expansive sunset shots, fishing boats, and beach life.

Old Dhaka

Maze of narrow lanes, colorful rickshaws, colonial buildings, and busy markets — great for street and documentary photography.

Srimangal Tea Gardens

Rolling emerald tea terraces, workers picking leaves, and misty mornings — ideal for pastoral landscapes.

Ahsan Manzil and Lalbagh Fort

Historic Mughal and colonial architecture in Dhaka with ornate details and photogenic facades.

Boat-filled Rivers and Sadarghat

Chaotic riverine life at dawn and dusk with longboats, ferries and vibrant riverside markets.

Bandarban Hill Views (Nilgiri, Tajingdong)

Sweeping hilltop panoramas, sunrise views above clouds and tribal villages — some trails require local guides.

Floating Markets of Barisal/Gopalgonj

Colorful boats exchanging produce on rivers; best photographed early morning.

Culinary Guide

Food in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi cuisine is flavorful and often rice-and-fish-based, with mustard, nigella and poppy seed flavors in the east and rich Mughlai-influenced dishes in cities. Street food is vibrant and inexpensive; sweet desserts and tea are cultural staples.

Bangladesh Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Hilsa (Ilish) Curry

The country’s most famous fish, usually steamed or cooked in mustard-based gravy. Best tried in season (monsoon) at local homes and traditional restaurants in Dhaka and Chittagong.

Must-Try!

Kacchi Biryani

Fragrant layered rice and marinated meat (mutton or chicken) cooked with spices — a celebratory dish commonly found in Dhaka’s pot-rich biryani houses.

Panta Bhat and Bhorta

Fermented rice served with mashed spiced vegetables or fish — traditional comfort food often eaten at festivals and rustic eateries.

Fuchka / Puchka

Local version of pani puri — hollow fried shells filled with spiced water and tamarind — widely sold by street vendors in cities and small towns.

Tea from Sylhet

Fresh, strong tea served everywhere; visiting a tea garden in Sylhet or Srimangal gives access to high-quality single-estate tea.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

New Market (Dhaka)

A bustling bazaar selling everything from snacks to household goods; try biryani shops and fuchka vendors nearby.

Kawran Bazar (Dhaka)

One of South Asia’s largest wholesale markets; early-morning fish market scenes are photogenic and offer fresh-cooked fish stalls.

Cox’s Bazar Beach Stalls

Fresh seafood grills and simple curry houses along the beach selling pomfret, prawns and lobster during high season.

Chawkbazar (Old Dhaka)

Historic market famous for assorted street foods and sweet shops — great for evening food walks and trying traditional desserts.

Climate Guide

Weather

Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon climate: a hot humid summer, a rainy monsoon season, a mild post-monsoon period and a cool, dry winter. Temperatures are highest in April–May, monsoon brings heavy rains from June to September, and December–February are the most comfortable months for travel with lower humidity and cooler nights.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress Modestly

Wear modest clothing, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas; women may prefer long skirts, trousers and scarves for comfort and respect.

Respect Religious Customs

Be mindful during Ramadan (fasting month) and when entering mosques/temples — remove shoes, dress appropriately and avoid public displays of affection.

Greetings and Personal Space

As-salamu alaykum (peace) is a common greeting among Muslims; a handshake is common but some may prefer not to touch the opposite gender. Use the right hand for giving/receiving items and eating.

Photography Sensitivity

Always ask permission before photographing people, and be cautious photographing military installations or sensitive sites.

Bargaining

Bargaining is expected in bazaars and street markets but do so politely — fixed-price stores rarely haggle.

Safety Guide

Safety

Bangladesh is generally safe for tourists, but petty theft, bag snatching and scams can occur in crowded areas — keep valuables secure and avoid poorly lit streets at night. Political strikes and demonstrations (hartals) occasionally disrupt transport; avoid large gatherings. If traveling by boat, check safety standards and use authorized operators. Drink bottled water, practice food hygiene, and ensure routine vaccinations and travel insurance are in place.

Tipping in Bangladesh

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not strictly required; round up in taxis, leave 5–10% in restaurants if service charge not included, and give small amounts to porters or guides. For excellent service, a modest tip is customary.

Payment Methods

Cash (Bangladeshi Taka) is widely used, especially in markets and small towns. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants in major cities. Mobile wallets (bKash, Nagad) are popular for local payments. Carry small notes for tuk-tuks and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer (March–May)

Hot and humid with temperatures often 30–35°C (86–95°F); afternoons can be oppressively humid, so plan outdoor activities early or late in the day and stay hydrated.

Monsoon (June–September)

Heavy rains and localized flooding are common; boat travel may be restricted in some areas but the countryside is lush. Carry rain gear and expect travel delays.

Autumn / Post-monsoon (October–November)

One of the best times to visit: clearer skies, moderate temperatures and many festivals (like Durga Puja). Good for photography and outdoor travel.

Winter (December–February)

Cool, dry and pleasant (10–25°C / 50–77°F); ideal for sightseeing, wildlife tours and hill treks. Nights in hill areas can be chilly.

Nightlife Guide

Bangladesh at Night

Nightlife is concentrated in Dhaka with live music venues, rooftop bars, cafés open late and private clubs; some upscale hotels have lounges and nightlife events. Outside major cities nightlife is subdued — coastal towns and tourist hubs like Cox’s Bazar have evening seafood stalls and relaxed beachside bars. Respect local norms; public intoxication is not well tolerated in conservative areas.

Hiking in Bangladesh

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Keokradong (Bandarban)

One of Bangladesh’s higher peaks with trekking routes through tribal villages and forests; offers panoramic hill views and sunrise opportunities—best with a local guide.

Sajek Valley Trails (Rangamati/Khagrachari)

Scenic hill trails with viewpoints over valleys and tribal settlements; accessible by road and short walks from the main viewpoint.

Boga Lake Trek (Bandarban)

A multi-day trek to a beautiful cold-water lake surrounded by hills — remote and rewarding, requiring permits/guides.

Nilgiri (Bandarban)

Popular for sunrise treks with relatively short hiking routes and spectacular sea-of-clouds views in winter.

Saka Haphong / Mowdok Taung (remote)

Some of the highest and most remote peaks in Bangladesh; challenging treks for experienced hikers and often organized with local communities and guides.

Airports

How to reach Bangladesh by plane.

Shahjalal International Airport (DAC), Dhaka

The main international gateway with frequent regional and some long-haul flights; 20–45 minutes from central Dhaka depending on traffic. Taxis, ride-hailing and hotel transfers available.

Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP), Chittagong

Serves the port city and southeastern regions; useful for access to Chittagong and the hill districts.

Osmani International Airport (ZYL), Sylhet

Handles domestic flights and some international (regional) connections; nearest hub for tea gardens and northeastern attractions.

Cox’s Bazar Airport (CXB)

Domestic airport with flights from Dhaka and Chittagong, convenient for beach travel to the world’s longest natural sea beach.

Jashore (Jessore) Airport (JSR)

Regional airport serving the southwest; useful for visiting Khulna region and gateway to the Sundarbans by road/boat.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkability varies: Old Dhaka and small towns are highly walkable with narrow streets, markets and pedestrian activity; however, modern Dhaka is challenging to walk due to poor sidewalks, heavy traffic and pollution — use rickshaws, CNGs or rideshares for short trips. Hill towns and tourist spots (Srimangal, Bandarban) are pleasant for walking.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Bengali Muslims

The majority religious and ethnic group (approximately 90%); Bengali Muslim culture shapes national festivals, cuisine and language.

Hindu Minority

Hindu communities make up the largest religious minority, contributing to cultural and festival diversity (Durga Puja, etc.).

Indigenous / Ethnic Minorities

Ethnic groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and northeastern regions (e.g., Chakma, Marma, Tripuri, Khasi) with distinct languages, dress and customs.

Urban Youth and Migrants

Rapid urbanization has created a large young demographic in cities, influencing business, arts, tech and nightlife scenes.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

The most popular sport and national passion — local matches, big international fixtures and street cricket are common.

Football (Soccer)

Widely played and followed, especially in urban and rural communities with lively local tournaments.

Kabaddi

Traditional sport with strong cultural roots; Bangladesh hosts national kabaddi events and it is popular in rural areas.

Boat Racing / Rowing

Seasonal and festival-related boat races are common in riverine communities and are a cultural highlight.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Dhaka and other large cities is often congested, with long travel times even for short distances. Transport options include buses (crowded), ride-hailing apps, yellow taxis (less common), CNG auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and trains for intercity journeys. Allow extra time for transfers, especially during peak hours and before domestic flights.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist — lentil dals, vegetable curries, and paneer dishes — but many meals include fish or meat. Mention 'shakahari' (vegetarian) and double-check use of fish sauces or shrimp pastes. Major cities have vegetarian and international restaurants.

Vegan

More challenging: dairy is common in sweets and some curries. Order plain rice with vegetable sides and clarify no ghee or yogurt is used. Larger cities may accommodate vegan requests.

Halal

Most meat is halal by default as Bangladesh is majority Muslim; still, if you need certification, look for restaurants that advertise halal meat.

Food Safety

Street food is generally safe if cooked fresh and hot; avoid raw salads and tap water. Drink bottled or treated water.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Major cities (Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet) have private and public hospitals with competent doctors and international clinics; services can be limited in rural areas. Carry travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation for serious issues. Vaccinations (typhoid, hepatitis A/B, routine immunizations) are recommended; tap water is unsafe—use bottled or purified water.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Bangladesh.