Explore Bangladesh Holiday
Explore Bangaldesh on this unique holiday
Bangladesh is a land of vibrant culture, a rich history, and natural wonders waiting for you to explore. On this guided tour, you will embark on a journey through the heart of the country, discovering its diverse landscapes, ancient heritage sites and the Bangladeshi people.
Your adventure begins in the bustling capital city of Dhaka, where the old and new blend seamlessly together. From the chaotic yet charming streets to the serene riverside views, Dhaka offers a glimpse into the soul of Bangladesh.
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered across the country. Among these treasures is the breathtaking Terra Cotta Mosque in Bagerhat, a masterpiece of medieval architecture adorned with intricate decorations. We'll also explore ancient Hindu temples and Buddhist Kiyangs, each telling stories of bygone eras and spiritual devotion. No visit to Bangladesh would be complete without a journey into the Sundarbans mangrove forest, home to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger and a myriad of other wildlife species. You will explore the winding waterways, surrounded by mangrove trees, and witness the natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of this tour lies in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, a region of rugged terrain and diverse indigenous cultures. Here, amidst the hills and lush forests, you will meet with local communities and explore authentic tribal markets.
This holiday in Bangladesh includes vibrant cities, ancient treasures, and natural wonders that cannot be found anywhere else. You can unravel the secrets of this captivating country and discover why it truly is as authentic as travel can be.
Day 1 – Your Bangladesh holiday begins!
We greet you at Dhaka airport and then transfer to your downtown hotel for a rest and to freshen up. Depending on your arrival time in Dhaka, there may be time for you to have a short walking tour to get firsthand experience of Dhaka.
Overnight in Dhaka at Hotel Studio23 or similar
*Day 1 should be a Wednesday to fit in with market days
Day 2 - Dhaka sightseeing
After breakfast at your hotel, it is time to get out and explore the wonderful mayhem that is Dhaka. Places of interest include the Ahsan Manzil (the pink palace) situated on the bank of the Buriganga, this was the residential palace and the kachari of the nawabs of Dhaka. Other places you will view include Shakari Bazar (Hindu Street), Dhakeshwari Temple, Armenian church and the Star Mosque. Your most memorable thing about today will be the vibrancy of the city and the people we meet.
Overnight in Dhaka at Hotel Studio23 or similar (B)
Day 3 - Paharpur UNESCO Site and Rajshahi
Today you have an early start (6am) as we travel to the UNESCO world heritage site of Paharpur. This is the most impressive archaeological site in Bangladesh, dating back to the 8th century AD. En route have a break and visit Kusumba Mosque "The Black Gem of Bangladesh" in Naogaon district.
Overnight in Rajshahi at Hotel X or similar (B)
Day 4 - Explore Rajshahi and the surrounding area
You will drive to Puthia to visit the Hindu Terra cotta temples this morning. Puthia is only 23 kilometres away from Rajshahi city and has the largest number of historical temples in Bangladesh. Some of these temples have the finest terracotta decoration in all of Bengal. You then drive to back to Rajshahi and visit the Varendra research museum and if time allows, visit some of the local silk display and production centres. This afternoon you will take the train to Khulna, a wonderful experience and one of many opportunities you will have on this Bangladesh holiday to meet and chat with the local people.
Overnight in Khulna at Hotel Grand Placid or similar (B)
Days 5 to 7 - Explore the Sundarbans
You will be driven Mongla to embark on a three-day boat tour of the Sundarban Reserve Forest. The Sundarbans location is in the south-west of Bangladesh between the river Baleswar to the East and the Harinbanga to the West. This is the planet's largest mangrove forest, home of the Royal Bengal Tiger and many other mammals and birds. You cruise both the larger rivers and are able to enter smaller canals for maximum opportunities to see wildlife. You will also have the opportunity to go ashore and walk through and experience the forest first-hand. On the morning of day 7, your boat will head north to the Pashur river and arrive back to Mongla. Here, after lunch, disembark the boat and drive to Khulna. On the way, you will stop and visit the famous sixty domed Mosque, a UNESCO world heritage site, near Bagerhat. This evening is one of the highlights of any holiday in Bangladesh, as you take the overnight sleeper train to Dhaka.
Overnights on boat (Day 5 & 6 – BLD)
Overnight train (Day 7 - BL)
Day 8 - Srimongal
You will leave the train in Dhaka and travel to Srimongal, the country's tea capital. Today we explore Srimongal and the beautiful surroundings areas. Here you can visit the charming tea plantations and experience how the local tea workers live and work. Enjoy a cup of tea at local tea stall in town. There is a chance later in the day for a truly authentic visit to one of the local tribes to see their weaving.
Overnight in Srimongal at Paragon Resort or similar (B)
Day 9 - Srimongal to Chittagong
This morning you can take a walk in the Lawachara national park and see the flora and fauna with its many species of birds/primates. Lawachara National Park is best known for the relative ease of seeing primates including four globally threatened species: Northern Pig-tailed Macaque, Phayre’s Leaf Monkey, Capped Langur, and the most important population in Bangladesh of Western Hoolock Gibbon, the only ape found in Bangladesh. In the early afternoon you will catch the train to Chittagong (also officially known as Chattogram) and can observe the rural countryside in comfort. On arrival in Chittagong, you will then transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Chittagong at Well Park Residence or similar (B)
Day 10 – Kaptai Lake and Rangamati
After your breakfast, it is time to drive to Rangamati, the capital of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. On arrival, take a boat trip on the Kaptai lake and you may get to visit some of the tribal families that live on the islands making handloom fabrics. You return to Rangamati in the late afternoon, where there is the option, time permitting, to do some shopping in the local market and at the local handicraft shops.
Overnight in Rangamati at Parjatan Motel or similar (B)
Day 11 - Rangamati Tribal Market and Bandarban
Today you will visit the weekly tribal market and see how the local tribes are trading. Market day is the best place to meet and to interact with the hill tribes and another of the highlights of this Bangladesh holiday. You will then drive south and up into the hills to the small tribal market town of Bandarban which is the home of many ethnic tribes. Overnight in Bandarban at Hotel Dmore or similar (B)
Day 12 - Bandarban Market and Marma Tribal Village
The market in Bandarban has a different focus to Rangamati and we will explore the differences when we visit this morning. It is then time for you to take a boat trip along the Sangu River to visit a Marma tribal village and learn about tribal culture. Here you will be able to interact with the villagers and meet the Karbari (head of the village) and see the daily lifestyle of the people.
Overnight in Chittagong at Well Park Residence or similar (B)
Day 13 – Chittagong and the Ship Breaking Yard
Chittagong is a vibrant port city which was the home of largest population of British in Bengal apart from to Kolkata (Calcutta) during the colonial times. After a short sightseeing tour of the city, you will be taken (to view from a distance), the infamous ship breaking yard where large ships are scrapped and recycled by hundreds of men by hand. You can also visit some local shops that are selling recycled goods from the ships.
Overnight in Chittagong at Well Park Residence or similar (B)
Note: Visiting ship breaking yard depends on high tide, so may be at any time of the day.
Day 14 – Fishermen and the fish market
This morning you can visit the local Chittagong fish market, one of the largest in the country. Here you will see the many different kinds of sea and freshwater fish that are caught locally. This is an extremely crowded, noisy, and busy fish market, so be prepared! Later you may wish to take a boat ride on the Karnaphuli River to see the harbour and how local people are preparing and fixing their wooden fishing boats. After lunch, you will be driven to the train station for a train that gets back in to Dhaka this evening.
Overnight in Dhaka at Hotel Studio23 or similar (B)
Day 15 – End of the Explore Bangladesh Holiday
At a suitable time, you will be transferred to the airport to check-in for your flight back home.
Get in touch with Our Local Tour to book the Explore Bangladesh Holiday
Small Group Departure Dates 2025
5 March - 19 March
5 November - 19 November
3 December - 17 December
Small Group Departure Dates 2026
11 February - 25 February
4 November - 18 November
Price
£3265 per person (based on two people travelling and sharing a double room)
Single supplement - £360
Please note: The itinerary maybe changed due to weather conditions.
Private Departures Available
A private tour can be arranged for any departure date. This itinerary can be tailor-made to your exact requirements. From £3395 per person based on two people travelling and sharing a room.
Included in the Explore Bangladesh Holiday
- Accommodation as described throughout the tour
- Meals as described in the itinerary B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner
- All airport transfers
- Professional English Speaking Guide
- Transportation including driver, fuel, bridge tolls and parking fees
- Sundarban Boat Expedition with full board (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- All sightseeing entrance fees
- All train tickets; Rajshahi to Khulna Khulna to Dhaka Srimongal to Chittagong Chittagong toDhaka
- Boat trip to the ship breaking yard in Chittagong
- Rangamati Lake boat trip and Sangu River boat trip
- Karnaphuli River boat trip
Not Included in the Explore Bangladesh Holiday
- International travel to the start and end point - contact us for information and flight options.
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Any visa requirements
- Drinks and meals not mentioned
- Any Photography and Video fees;
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips for drivers and guides
Government Travel Safety Advice
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice. Please refer to the COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry.
Bangladesh - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bangladesh
*PLEASE NOTE: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Bangladesh. This includes parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts that we visit on this tour.
Visa and Passport Information
Passport validity
When you apply for a visa to visit Bangladesh, your passport must have:
*at least 6 months remaining validity
*at least 2 blank pages
*no damage
Visas
You must have a visa to travel to Bangladesh, unless you have a ‘no visa required’ stamp in your UK passport. At Bangladeshi border control, you may also need to show a return or onward ticket.
Apply for a visa from the Bangladesh High Commission London.
If you plan to use Bangladesh as a hub to visit other countries in the region, make sure you get a multiple-entry visa. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for a visa when you arrive at Dhaka airport. You must have a return ticket to apply for a visa on arrival. Visas on arrival are:
- single entry
- valid for 15 to 30 days
- not guaranteed – Bangladeshi immigration officers issue them at their discretion
Local Laws and Custom
Local customs reflect the fact Bangladesh is mainly an Islamic country. Both men and women should dress modestly to avoid causing offence. Women are advised to cover their shoulders and legs when in public.
LGBT+ travellers - Same-sex relations are illegal in Bangladesh.
Alcohol laws - You may need a liquor permit to drink alcohol in Bangladesh. A liquor permit allows you to drink alcohol in government-licensed bars. Check the requirements at your local district office and apply for a permit if necessary.
Illegal drugs penalties - There are severe penalties for possessing and trafficking illegal drugs. Some drug-related offences are punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Local officials may ask you for ID. Carry photocopies of the personal details page in your passport and Bangladeshi visa. Keep the originals somewhere safe and leave copies with friends or relatives in the UK.
Health
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines.
Medical facilities in Bangladesh are poor. Routine tests and X-rays are unreliable. FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Bangladesh.
Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. If you suspect a heart attack, ask for a ‘cardiac ambulance’. It may be faster to travel to the nearest hospital yourself if you have a vehicle. Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
What to bring on the Explore Bangladesh Holiday
Clothing
We recommended that lighter clothes are worn through the day, and warmer ones at night. A hat is also advised to be worn through the day to protect from the sun. It can become cold in the early mornings and evenings, and you will need appropriate warm clothing. You should bear in mind that Bangladesh tends to have a conservative attitude towards dress. Women, and to a certain extent men, will find that the way they dress will often determine the degree of respect they receive from both men and women. Mosques, temples, churches, and synagogue are places of worship and visitors should be modestly dressed. Admission might be denied to men and women wearing short pants/skirts, sleeveless t-shirts/blouses. Bare shoulders and mid-riffs are not permitted and should be covered with shawls.
Footwear
The ideal footwear would be walking shoes or boots and sandals.
Luggage while on your tour
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suit case.
Equipment
We recommend a first aid kit, sunhat, suncream, a torch, insect repellent, a bottom sheet and/or blanket and a reusable waterbottle. A power adapter for phones, laptops, etc. Earplugs, particularly if you are a light sleeper as Bangladesh can be very noisy!
Currency
The local currency in Bangladeshis the Taka. Notes are in denominations of Tk 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 poisha.
There is limited acceptance of Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express. Travellers cheques can be exchanged on arrival at Dhaka Airport. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
All foreign currency exchanged must be entered on a currency declaration form. Hotel bills must be paid in a major convertible currency or with travellers’ cheques. Many shops in the cities will offer better rates of exchange than the banks. The import of foreign currency is unlimited (subject to declaration at time of arrival for sums more than US$5000). The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival.
It’s not difficult to change money here, either at banks or the hotels and your guide can assist with this.
Weather in Bangladesh
The most comfortable time to visit is winter. It is hottest from April to mid-June, the pre-monsoon spring. By mid-June the monsoon begins to cool things off slightly, though it remains muggy. Nonetheless it is a fascinating time to visit, as the whole country seems to fill up with water although this can affect transport and flexibility must be built into any carefully laid plans.
Local conditions
When travelling in Bangladesh, you need to bear in mind that things won’t always work here as we’re used to them working at home. Tourism in Bangladesh is underdeveloped and travelling here requires both patience and a sense of humour. There may be problems with infrastructure, attitudes may be different, and maintenance may not be as high a standard as we would always like, but this is very much part and parcel of travelling in such a place.
