Bangladesh is the perfect destination for those who are looking for a unique adventure completely off the beaten track. You won’t encounter many other foreigners, which is of course great so you’ll have the country to yourself, but it also means it’s not always easy to travel around. Some people come here to backpack, but it doesn’t hurt to also make use of a good local travel agency to help you plan everything carefully and make sure everything runs smoothly. 

Do you also dare to choose this undiscovered destination? If you’re not sure yet, we’ll convince you with these interesting facts.

1. Not for everyone

We have to say it: Bangladesh is not for everyone. Do you like comfort, clarity and tranquility? Then maybe it is better to stick to a city trip to Rome. Are you the adventurous type who likes to leave the beaten track? Then Bangladesh is your next travel destination! Read on and discover everything you need to know about this undiscovered destination.

2. Hire a guide

Hire a guide or book a tour. I know, that’s the last thing you want as an adventurous traveler. Even for the most patient and experienced backpacker, traveling in Bangladesh can be a frustrating endeavor. Tourism is poorly developed and that means that it is often one big mystery how to get from A to B. Ask the people on the street and you will get a different answer from everyone. Hotel employees rarely respond to emails and online booking systems do not work. You can call if you speak Bengali. And if it is successful, it is possible that they do not know anything about it on arrival and that there is no room left. Traveling with a guide has the added advantage that he can act as an interpreter when you speak with the residents.

3. Tropical Paradise

Sunny St. Martin’s Island definitely deserves the ‘tropical paradise’ label. Travel to the far south of the country for empty beaches, glorious seawater and nothing more than the sound of the wind rustling through the palms. On St. Martin’s Island you come for your rest, it’s the ideal ending for your holiday in Bangladesh. 

4. It’s safe

Let me start with the official travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The well-known card is yellow, but that applies to most countries in Asia. There are warnings about tensions that could arise from the hundreds of thousands of refugees from Myanmar. The reception is concentrated in a relatively small area, where tourists are not allowed to enter. 

Unlike popular India, for example, people are rarely being touched unsolicited or inappropriately here. Not many tourists come here, so when they do they are welcomed with open arms. Young and old want to have their picture taken with you. People immediately come to our aid if you look even a little lost. You are not chased by beggars or shady men. And money is rarely asked for. So yes, Bangladesh is safe. Just use the normal precautions. 

5. Hospitable

Bengalis are, in our opinion of course, at the top of the list of the most hospitable people in the world. Even the poorest families might invite you over for a cup of tea. It’s normal that even the eldery might offer their place for you in public transport. On every street corner you are greeted cheerfully and received with a smile. If you’re looking for hospitality and a warm welcome, Bangladesh is your next destination.

6. Longest Beach

Ever thought of Bangladesh as a beach destination? With a coastline of 125 kilometers, Cox’s Bazar in the south has the longest beach in the world. Funnily enough, the local tourists are all looking for the same small stretch of beach, making it bustling on the boulevard in Cox’s Bazar. The rest of the kilometre-long beach is almost empty. There you can read a book in peace.

7. Largest Mangrove Forest

Bangladesh has another record to its name: the largest mangrove forest in the world. You will find the Sundarbans National Forest hidden in the river delta of the Ganges. During a multi-day trip on a ‘hotel boat’ you can discover the mysterious forest. Those who are lucky catch a glimpse of the Bengal tiger.  

8. Populous cities, but also tranquil areas

With nearly 170 million Bengalis, it can be a bit crowded in places. For example in the capital Dhaka. The city has an astonishing number of 15 million inhabitants! There are still a lot of quiet areas with plenty of nature and large fields and small villages around where you can find peace and tranquility.

9. Surfing is hot in Bangladesh

If you want something different from the usual waves and beach clubs, you can visit Cox’s Bazar. There are good waves all year round and a fanatic group of surfers is active. Beginners can take lessons. The rest can just rent a board. The surf scene in Bangladesh is still young and the level is therefore not too high. As an average surfer you could quickly make an impression! The scene is rapidly growing and surfing is getting more and more popular. 

10. Diving

Even more water sports! At the paradisiacal Saint Martin’s island you can also go scuba diving for a few years now and it’s not even that expensive!

11. It’s more expensive than you think

Traveling in Bangladesh is more expensive than you think! In addition, the standard is often quite low. Where you can book a reasonably chic accommodation for 30 euros in India, you don’t have to expect more in Bangladesh than a simple room with – if you’re unlucky – a so-called bucket shower. Entrance tickets and boat trips quickly add up to the paperwork. A 3-day tour to the mangrove forests can become pricey, especially if you want to have a secure, professional trip. Those who travel without a guide can be sure that they pay at least 3x too much for a taxi. And that’s after the haggling.

12. On the train

Have you ever seen a photo of a crowd sitting not in, but on and on a train? There’s a good chance that photo was taken in Bangladesh. Just because everyone else does it doesn’t mean you should do it too. Fatal accidents often happen with these roof passengers. 

13. Cycle rickshaw

The bicycle rickshaw is still the most popular mode of transport in Bangladesh. The metal carriages are not only a convenient way to get around, they also brighten up the busy cities. With thousands of competing rickshaws, you need to make sure you stand out. And so the drivers have their carts decorated with the most beautiful images and kitschy ornaments. On the metal back plate you see rural scenes, Bollywood stars, birds, flowers and elephants. Sometimes the image can contain a political message or (increasingly more often) a painted advertisement. In any case, it gives something to look at when you are stuck in traffic for hours.

14. Always stuck in traffic

With so many residents on such a small piece of land, you can imagine that it can get quite busy in Dhaka. You notice this especially in traffic. In Dhaka it is always stuck. Give yourself one day in Dhaka and you will probably never complain about traffic jams in your hometown again.

15. Vegetarian food in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh is a fish and meat loving country. Under the heading ‘vegetarian’ on the menu is often ‘vegetable curry with chicken’. Can it be done without chicken? That concept has not yet penetrated here. And that’s not so crazy. In poverty-stricken Bangladesh, they don’t have the luxury of being picky when it comes to food. Fortunately, there is still ‘vegetable fried rice’. You can also find dahl, salads and vegetable sides.

16. Eating with your hands

No, they didn’t forget to give you a set of cutlery with the main course. You are supposed to eat with your hands, like everyone here does. It takes some getting used to when you stir with your fingers in a plate of rice with curry for the first time. But once you’ve mastered the technique, it’s fun. Really, eating with your hands increases the taste sensation. That’s because you not only smell, taste and see the food, but also feel it. But beware; you may only eat with your right hand. The left hand is ‘unclean’, since you wipe your buttocks with it.

17. Red Spit?

Don’t be alarmed if the taxi driver rolls open his window and leaves behind a large dollop of red saliva. It’s not blood! Betel chewers roll a piece of palm seed in an edible leaf and grind it before storing it in their cheeks. The addictive betel nut gives a tingling sensation and has an anesthetic effect. But it also causes reddish brown teeth, rotting gums and oral cancer. So not recommended. Not only in Bangladesh, but all over Asia you come across red spots on the asphalt.

18. Cleaner Than India

Bangladesh is cleaner than India. There is less waste on the street and there are more trash cans. In the cities you will find sidewalks, where only pedestrians walk. Traffic is busy, but not nearly as chaotic as the neighbors’. The restaurants and kitchens are neater. The higher class compartments in the trains are spick and span. The staff wears tightly ironed company clothing.

19. Bangladesh was once Pakistan

Not so long ago, one of the bloodiest wars in recent history was raging in Bangladesh. After independence from British rule, Bangladesh reluctantly became part of Pakistan. The country was then called East Pakistan. In 1971 the people demanded independence and fought to the bitter end. In 9 months, half a million Bengalis were murdered and 9 million fled to neighboring India. The brand new Liberation War Museum in Dhaka impressively tells the whole story from colonization to the post-independence years. Worth visiting!

20. Visa is not a problem for most countries

For most nationalities it is not that difficult to get a visa for 30 days. Upon arrival at the airport in Dhaka, it is a matter of filling in a few forms and paying 50 usd. Are you traveling overland via India? Then you can cross the border at Calcutta in the west and Agartala in the east. You must apply for a visa in advance at the consulate in the cities mentioned.