Bangladesh Tours
Explore Bangladesh Holiday
Explore Bangladesh on this two-week holiday. With tea plantations, tribal markets and mangrove swamps this tour has it all.
Explore Bangladesh on This Unique Holiday
Bangladesh is a land of vibrant culture, 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. Along the way, you discover 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. Above all, Dhaka offers a glimpse into the soul of Bangladesh. You see this everywhere, from the chaotic yet charming streets to the serene riverside views.
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered across the country. For example, the breathtaking Terra Cotta Mosque in Bagerhat is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Moreover, no visit to Bangladesh would be complete without a journey into the Sundarbans mangrove forest. It is home to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger and a myriad of other wildlife species.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of this tour lies in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. This is a region of rugged terrain and diverse indigenous cultures. Here you will meet local communities and also explore authentic tribal markets. In short, this holiday includes vibrant cities, ancient treasures, and natural wonders that cannot be found anywhere else.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Your Bangladesh Holiday Begins
On arrival, transfer to your downtown hotel to rest and freshen up. Then, depending on your arrival time, there is time for a short walking tour. This gives you a first-hand feel for Dhaka.
Overnight in Hotel Studio23, Dhaka
DAY 2
Dhaka Sightseeing
Explore the wonderful mayhem of Dhaka. For example, places of interest include the Ahsan Manzil (the pink palace), Shakari Bazar (Hindu Street) and Dhakeshwari Temple. You also see the Armenian Church and the Star Mosque.
Overnight in Hotel Studio23, Dhaka · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3
Paharpur UNESCO Site and Rajshahi
Make an early start (6am) to travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Paharpur. It is the most impressive archaeological site in Bangladesh, dating back to the 8th century AD. On the way, you also stop at Kusumba Mosque, "The Black Gem of Bangladesh", in Naogaon district.
Overnight in Rajshahi · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4
Explore Rajshahi and the Surrounding Area
First, visit Puthia, home to the largest number of historical temples in Bangladesh. Some have the finest terracotta decoration in all of Bengal. Then return to Rajshahi to visit the Varendra Research Museum and local silk production centres. After that, take the train to Khulna, a great chance to meet and chat with local people.
Overnight in Grand Placid Hotel, Khulna · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5-7
Explore the Sundarbans
Drive to Mongla to embark on a three-day boat tour of the Sundarban Reserve Forest. It is the planet's largest mangrove forest and also home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. You cruise both larger rivers and smaller canals for maximum wildlife-spotting opportunities. You also go ashore to walk through the forest. On day 7, head back to Mongla, stopping at the sixty-domed Mosque near Bagerhat (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Finally, take the overnight sleeper train to Dhaka.
Overnight in Overnight on boat, then overnight train · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 8
Srimongal
Leave the train in Dhaka and travel to Srimongal, the country's tea capital. Then visit the charming tea plantations and experience how local tea workers live and work. There is also a chance to visit a local tribe to see their weaving.
Overnight in Paragon Resort, Srimongal · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9
Srimongal to Chittagong
Take a morning walk in Lawachara National Park, known for the relative ease of seeing primates. For example, these include the Western Hoolock Gibbon, the only ape found in Bangladesh. Then, in the early afternoon, take the train to Chittagong, observing the rural countryside in comfort.
Overnight in Well Park Residence, Chittagong · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 10
Kaptai Lake and Rangamati
Drive to Rangamati, the capital of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, for a boat trip on Kaptai Lake. There is a chance to visit tribal families living on the islands, who make handloom fabrics. Afterwards, there is also time for shopping in the local market.
Overnight in Parjatan Motel, Rangamati · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11
Rangamati Tribal Market and Bandarban
First, visit the weekly tribal market, the best place to meet and interact with the hill tribes. Then drive south into the hills to Bandarban, a small tribal market town home to many ethnic tribes.
Overnight in Hotel Dmore, Bandarban · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 12
Bandarban Market and Marma Tribal Village
Explore Bandarban's market, which has a different focus to Rangamati's. Then take a boat trip along the Sangu River to a Marma tribal village. Here you meet the Karbari (head of the village) and learn about daily tribal life.
Overnight in Well Park Residence, Chittagong · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 13
Chittagong and the Ship Breaking Yard
Take a short sightseeing tour of Chittagong, a vibrant port city with a significant British colonial history. After that comes a distant view of the infamous ship breaking yard. Here large ships are scrapped and recycled by hand. Finally, visit local shops selling recycled ship goods.
Overnight in Well Park Residence, Chittagong · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 14
Fishermen and the Fish Market
Visit Chittagong's fish market, one of the largest in the country. It is an extremely crowded, noisy, busy affair. Afterwards, there is an optional boat ride on the Karnaphuli River. From the boat, you see the harbour and local fishing boats being prepared and fixed. Finally, after lunch, take the train back to Dhaka.
Overnight in Hotel Studio23, Dhaka · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 15
End of the Explore Bangladesh Holiday
Transfer to the airport at a suitable time to check in for your flight home.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Accommodation as described throughout the tour
Meals as described in the itinerary
All airport transfers
Professional English-speaking guide
Transportation including driver, fuel, bridge tolls and parking fees
Sundarbans boat expedition with full board
All sightseeing entrance fees
All train tickets – Rajshahi to Khulna, Khulna to Dhaka, Srimongal to Chittagong, Chittagong to Dhaka
Boat trip to the ship breaking yard in Chittagong
Rangamati Lake boat trip, Sangu River boat trip and Karnaphuli River boat trip
What’s Not Included
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
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
Please note the itinerary may be changed due to weather conditions.
Prices shown are per person, based on double or twin room occupancy.
Prefer a Private Tour?
We can also arrange a private tour for any departure date. In addition, we can tailor-make this itinerary to your exact requirements.
From £3,395 per person, based on two people travelling and sharing a room
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Bangladesh. Please note the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Bangladesh. This includes parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts visited on this tour.
Your passport must have at least 6 months remaining validity, at least 2 blank pages and no damage. You must also have a visa to travel to Bangladesh. The only exception is a "no visa required" stamp in your UK passport. Therefore, apply via the Bangladesh High Commission in London. Alternatively, ask about a visa on arrival at Dhaka airport. This is single entry, valid 15-30 days and requires a return ticket. However, it is issued at the discretion of immigration officers.
Bangladesh is mainly an Islamic country. Therefore, both men and women should dress modestly to avoid causing offence. Same-sex relations are illegal in Bangladesh. You may also need a liquor permit to drink alcohol, available from government-licensed bars. There are severe penalties for possessing or trafficking illegal drugs. For example, these include the death penalty or life imprisonment. Finally, carry photocopies of your passport and visa, keeping the originals safe.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) publishes this on the TravelHealthPro website. Medical facilities in Bangladesh are poor, and routine tests and X-rays are unreliable. Therefore, make sure you have adequate travel health insurance. Also contact your insurer promptly if you are referred for treatment.
What to Bring
We recommend lighter clothes through the day, with warmer layers for early mornings and evenings. However, Bangladesh has a conservative attitude towards dress. Mosques, temples, churches and places of worship therefore require modest dress, with bare shoulders and midriffs covered. Walking shoes or boots plus sandals are the ideal footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a first aid kit, sunhat, suncream, a torch and insect repellent. In addition, bring a bottom sheet or blanket, a reusable water bottle and a power adapter. Finally, pack ear plugs, because Bangladesh can be very noisy!
While You're There
The local currency is the Taka. There is limited acceptance of Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club and American Express. However, you can exchange travellers cheques (best in US dollars or pounds sterling) on arrival at Dhaka Airport. It's also not difficult to change money at banks or hotels, and your guide can assist with this.
The most comfortable time to visit is winter. It is hottest from April to mid-June, and the monsoon begins by mid-June. It then remains muggy and affects transport, so flexibility is essential. Tourism in Bangladesh is also underdeveloped. As a result, travelling here requires both patience and a sense of humour.
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