Traveling to Bangladesh is not really considered ‘normal’ yet. The Bengalis themselves have only recently discovered tourism and expats who contribute to the development of this sector in Bangladesh have actually not been around for long. Traveling in Bangladesh is affordable and above all adventurous. This green country has so much to offer with its sights and you are now the only ‘tourist’ at many beautiful places.

If you ask us, there is a good chance that traveling in Bangladesh will increase in popularity in the coming years. We’d like to share with you which sights you should not miss and of course some practical tips.

1. Srimangal: The Green Tea Plantations of Bangladesh

Srimangal is an area made up of green tea plantations, it is the wonderland of the Sylhet region. The best way to discover this place is by bike or on foot starting from the village of Sreemangal. Tourism has been boosted in Srimangal as a former tea plantation owner decided to turn to domestic tourism after crops failed. The owner developed a special type of tea: ‘Seven layer tea’, a cup of tea with seven different layers of tea on top of each other. Quite unique and something that made more Bengalis come to Srimangal for a few days of vacation. Today, Srimangal is a real tourist hotspot for the wealthy Bengali population. Not only due to the ‘Seven layer tea’, but because of the green tea fields, wild waterfalls and untouched nature. Foreign tourists have not discovered this green pearl yet, so we invite you to come over with us to explore! 

2. Dhaka: The Capital of Bangladesh

Anyone traveling to Bangladesh will most likely also pass by the capital Dhaka and should definitely make some time to discover the city. Dhaka is a very dynamic and vibrant place to be and a place like no other. Prepare yourself, because the traffic is really chaotic, but that and the daily activities its inhabitants ensure continuous entertainment. Another must-do is hopping on a rickshaw (bike taxis), which are beautifully decorated with all kinds of colorful works of art.  Be sure to visit the Hindu Dhakeshwari Temple, which consists of several salmon-pink houses with pointed roofs. Also on your list should be the white Star Mosque and the Fort of Aurangabad.

3. St. Martin’s Island: Bounty Beaches

Like Cox’s Bazaar, St. Martin’s Island is also characterized by beautiful sandy beaches, met by a blue sea and plenty of palm trees. The island has a diameter of 6 kilometers. With its perfect bounty beaches, this southernmost tip of Bangladesh is one of the most impressive places in Bangladesh. When you go here it is best to go to the west side, because that is where the beaches are the quietest.

4. Cox’s Bazaar: The longest sandy beach in Bangladesh (and the world!)

Yep, you read it right. Cox’s Bazaar is the longest natural sandy beach in the world and it already attracts plenty of Bengali tourists. If you go here, however, it is advisable to leave the city for what it is and go directly to a nice resort outside the city. There you will soon have perfect sandy beaches for yourself. Cox’s Bazar is more than just a beach. You will also come across special fishing boats as well as fresh coconuts and colorful merchandise from Myanmar. Up for some action? Then climb the hills at Cox’s Bazaar for a stunning view over the beach and the sea.

5. Sundarbans: Adventure in the mangrove jungle

When you look up images of Sundarbans, you immediately see that this area in Bangladesh consists of rugged nature and a lot of wildlife. Sundarban is home to a blazing mangrove jungle and wildlife such as Bengal tigers, fish, birds, monkeys and deer. It is your best bet in Bangladesh to spot tigers, although the chance that you actually see one is quite small, unfortunately. This shouldn’t discourage you as a boat trip through the mangrove is a magical and unforgettable experience.

6. Paharpur: Perfect for architecture and history lovers

At Paharpur, in the northwest of Bangladesh, you find the ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at the foot of the Himalayas. These ruins make Paharpur a perfect destination for architecture and history enthusiasts. You can find Paharpur in the northwest of Bangladesh. The ruins of the Buddhist monastery are on the UNESCO World Heritage List and are a real special sight. The monastery is built on a square site that is about 280 meters long on each side. On that site there is subsequently a gigantic pyramid-like structure, which is dotted with green terraces. Bee sure to pay attention to the details as in some places you will find special images of animals, plants and people in the walls. Can’t get enough of it? Then the entire region here is actually a must, because Paharpur has many other religious buildings. Via Paharpur you can also travel to places like Rajshahi, which is almost adjacent to India, or  Mahasthangarh, said to be the oldest city in Bangladesh. 

7. Chittagong Hill Tracts

Chittagong Hill Tracts is located in the south east of Bangladesh, bordering India and Bangladesh. It is an area over 13.000 sq km and the only hilly region in all of Bangladesh. It is a beautiful quiet area which is perfect to hike and it’s even possible to encounter wild elephants during your hike. It is recommended to go on a guided tour so you can visit the villages, interact with the locals and get to know more about the local culture in a responsible way. It is necessary to get a permit from the government to travel here, which is something we at Bangladesh Travel and Tours can arrange. 

8. Nijhum Dwip

Nijhum Dwip is located near Cox’s Bazar, but deeper in the delta. The part ‘Dwip’ means island, but it is not an island like others as it is not in the middle of the sea but between different rivers. Being here makes you feel literally and figuratively far away from the civilized world and the luxury that we know so well. In the mangrove forest there is a herd of about 5.000 spotted deer to be found, which is an exciting attraction if you encounter them. It is an ideal eco-touristic destination where we can also find wild boars, monkeys and migrating birds. 

9. Sonargaon

The small town of Sonargaon is located 20 km southeast of Dhaka. This little pearl in Bangladesh was notably the capital of the Bengal Empire. It was in turn a Persian, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and British capital. The place can be visited especially thanks to its unique architecture revealing a glorious past. You can admire some three thousand year old vestiges that decorate the center of the city. Around every corner you will see magnificent monuments as well as houses that look like real palaces.

Sonargaon can also be visited for its historic district, Panam Nagar. You can stroll through the streets exploring the places by rickshaw (motorcycle) or chat with locals to learn about their culture and way of life. In addition, there is a museum which is attached to the area, the Sonargaon Folk Art Museum. It houses a collection of carved woods, pottery, jewelry, and even treasure chests.

10. Jaflong

Jaflong is a picturesque place located in Gowainghat, Sylhet District, northeastern Bangladesh. This exceptional destination is renowned for its magical tropical island-like landscapes, with hills and majestic forests that flow onto the banks of the great Peain River. These thick forests are home to many species of birds and animals. Nature lovers will be especially amazed by the beauty of the gravel stone blocks of round shapes and variously colored falling to the bottom of the Mari river with its translucent water. It is possible to swim there. You will adore the large tea plantations that perfume the surroundings.

Twenty facts about Bangladesh as a travel destination.
Why would you visit Bangladesh as a tourist?