Highlights
Old Dhaka
The historic heart of the capital is a crowded tangle of lanes, bazaars and workshops. See the unfinished Mughal Lalbagh Fort, the pink Ahsan Manzil palace on the riverbank, and the boat traffic at Sadarghat, the city's main river port.
The Sundarbans
The largest mangrove forest in the world, shared with India and listed by UNESCO. Multi-day boat trips from Khulna or Mongla wind through tidal channels in search of spotted deer, crocodiles, birds and, with luck, signs of the Bengal tiger.
Cox's Bazar
A seaside town at the start of one of the longest natural sandy beaches in the world, running for more than 100 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal. It is the main domestic holiday destination, busy and lively at weekends.
Sreemangal
The tea capital of the country, surrounded by rolling estates in the north-east. Walk through the gardens and visit Lawachara National Park, a patch of tropical forest that is home to hoolock gibbons.
Bagerhat Mosque City
A UNESCO-listed group of fifteenth-century mosques and tombs in the south-west, founded by Khan Jahan Ali. The Sixty Dome Mosque, with its many brick domes and stone pillars, is the most famous.
Paharpur
The ruins of Somapura Mahavihara, a large Buddhist monastery from the eighth century, in the north-west. Its central terraced temple and ring of monks' cells were influential across South-East Asia.
Bandarban and the Chittagong Hill Tracts
Green hills and river valleys in the south-east, home to several Indigenous communities with their own cultures. Some areas require permits or may be closed to foreigners, so check locally before you plan a trip.
Interesting facts about Bangladesh
- International Mother Language Day on 21 February commemorates students killed in Dhaka in 1952 while campaigning for Bengali to be a state language.
- Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
- Cycle rickshaws are so common in Dhaka that the city is often called the rickshaw capital of the world, and the colourful painted rickshaws are a form of folk art.
- The national anthem, 'Amar Shonar Bangla', was written by Rabindranath Tagore, who also wrote India's national anthem.
- Rivers and channels make up a large share of the transport network, and many journeys are still made by boat.
Best time to visit
The cool, dry season from November to February is the best time to visit, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. March to May is hot and humid. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain and flooding, which can disrupt travel but also makes the countryside lush. Cyclones are possible around the coast, mostly in April to May and October to November.
Practical information
| Capital | Dhaka |
|---|---|
| Currency | Bangladeshi taka (BDT) |
| Languages | Bengali |
| Plugs | Type A, C, D, G |
| Voltage | 220 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 999 for police, ambulance and fire |
| Driving | On the left |
| Tipping | Tips are appreciated rather than expected. Leaving a small amount in restaurants and tipping guides, drivers and boat crews is common. |
Getting around
Traffic in Dhaka is famously heavy, so allow plenty of time; the newer metro rail line helps on its route. Domestic flights link Dhaka with Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, Sylhet and other cities. Trains are slower but comfortable and a good way to see the countryside, especially in first-class or air-conditioned carriages. River launches and ferries connect towns in the south. Cycle rickshaws and CNG auto-rickshaws handle short trips; agree fares before you set off.
Staying connected in Bangladesh
Mobile coverage with 4G is good in Dhaka, Chittagong and other cities, and along major roads and rail lines. It becomes patchy in rural areas, the hill tracts, on rivers and deep in the Sundarbans, where there is often no signal. Wi-Fi is available in most mid-range hotels and some cafés but can be slow or unreliable. Mobile internet has occasionally been restricted nationally during unrest. Download offline maps, install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.
See Bangladesh eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Bangladesh
- Pathao: A Bangladeshi app for motorbike and car rides, as well as food delivery, widely used in Dhaka and other cities.
- Uber: Ride-hailing in Dhaka and Chittagong, with fares agreed in advance.
- Google Maps: Directions and offline maps, useful even where street names are not signed in English.
- Google Translate: Bengali translation, including camera mode for signs and menus.