Best places to visit in Bangladesh

Best places to visit in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a South Asian country with beautiful places to explore. A overpopulated small land with vibrant cultures & untouched tourist attractions are waiting to welcome. Most of the tourist areas are not crowded that helps you to make a peaceful trip. The people of smiling faces are always welcoming and try to help every single tourist.  A good number of places you will find to spend your time that causes decision making. Here is the complete list of 15 best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Place to Visit
16

World Heritage Site

Sundarbans Mangrove Forest

Largest mangrove forest in the world.

The Sundarbans mangrove forest, one of the largest such forests in the world and UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal. It is adjacent to the border of India but a major part of the forest in Bangladesh. The site is intersected by a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests, and presents an excellent example of ongoing ecological processes. This is known for its wide ranges of fauna including 260 species of birds, last remaining man eating Bengal Tiger, numerous Spotted Deer, Bengal Monitor and much more with threatened species like estuarine Crocodiles and Indian Python. The forest is peaceful, calm, and it's a place to visit once in your lifetime.

Quick Facts

Total Area: 10,000 Sq. km (6,017 Sq. km In Bangladesh, 4,260 Sq. km in India).

Named by: Sundaree Tree (Heritiera fomes).

Flora: A total 245 genera and 334 plant species.

Fauna: 150 species of commercially important fish, 286 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 35 reptiles and 8 amphibian species.

Animals: Man eating Royal Bengal Tiger, Crocodiles, Spotted Deer, Otters, Fishing cats, macaques, wild boars, common grey mongooses,  foxes, jungle cats, flying foxes, pangolins, Bengal Monitor, Snakes, and many more.

Rivers and Canals: 300

Attractions: Harbaria eco-tourism center, Kotka wildlife sanctuary, Kochikhali wildlife sanctuary, Jamtola sea-beach, Dubla Island, Hiron point, Karamjal crocodile breeding center, deep forest walking, small paddle boat trip and many more activities.

Check out our Sundarban TourRocket Cruise & Sundarban Packages to explore the forest with great experiences.

Place to Visit
16

Rangamati

Chittagong Hill Tracts

Rangamati is the most popular destination in Chittagong Hill Tracts covered by the scenic beauty of Kaptai Lake, plenty of small hills and tribal people. The lake was made in 1960 dotted with island is undoubtedly beautiful. Boat cruise through the lake would be the best way to spend your day. This place is also inhabited by the many indigenous group of People like Chakma, Marma & Tripura. The tribal lifestyle, handicrafts market, weaving factories, the largest tribal floating market Bonorupa and the Chakma King house are the richest sites to explore. 

Quick Facts

Location: Rangamati, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh

Total Area: 6116.11 sq. km. (Rangamati Hill District)

Population: 595,979 (52% Indigenous people) (2011 Census)

Indigenous group: Chakma, Marma, Tanchangya, indigenous Assamese people, Keot (Kaibarta), Tripura, Pankua, Lushai, Khiang, Murang, Rakhain, Chak, Bowm, Khumi.

Festivals: Baishabi Utshab (12-14 April)

Attractions: Kaptai Lake, Hanging Bridge, Tribal House & Bazaars, Tribal Weaving Factories, Banaropa Floating Market, Rajbon Vihar & Chakma King House, Shuvolong Waterfall and many more.

Check out our Chittagong Hill Tracts TourRangamati, Bandarban & Cox’s Bazaar packages to experience the Chittagong Hill Tracts better.

Place to Visit
16

Bandarban

Chittagong Hill Tracts

There is no better place in which to experience the mystery of magical hill tracts than Bandarban. The place is major  inhabitation for over 13 different indigenous group lies on Sangu River. The river is the center of local life could be a perfect place to make a cruise. Hike on hills, meet different tribal people, their bazaars & weaving factories and lose yourself to the natural life. Most of the places are undiscovered & untouched by the tourists because of some restriction by the authority.  If you want to explore Bandarban, complete permission for the places and discover the hidden beauty of Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Quick Facts

Location: Bandarban, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh

Total Area: 4,479.01 sq. km. (Bandarban Hill District) 

Population: 388,345 (2011 Cencus)

Indigenous group: Marma, Arakanese or Rakhine and are also known as Magh, Mru (also known as Mro or Murong), BawmKhyangTripura (also known as Tipra or Tipperah), Lushei (also known as Lushei), KhumiChak, Kuki, Chakma and Tanchangya (also spelt as Tenchungya), who are closely related, Riyang (also known as Riyang), Usui (also known as Usui) and Pankho.

Festivals: Baishabi Utshab (12-14 April)

Attractions: Sangu River, Golden Temple, Boga Lake, Nilchal, Nilgiri & Chimbuk Hills,  Tribal House & Bazaars, Tribal Weaving Factories, Rijuk Waterfall, Shailaprapat and many more.

Check out our Chittagong Hill Tracts Tour, Rangamati Bandarban & Cox’s Bazaar packages to experience the Chittagong Hill Tracts better.

Place to Visit
16

Srimangal

Green carpet of Bangladesh

Srimangal is called “The land of two leaves and a bud” and also known as the camellia, green carpet or Tea Mountain. Delighted with the revolving hills, the endless tea plantations, rubber & pineapple gardens and deep forest ground are bound to make your days memorable. Just offer entering the tea estates the nice smells and green beauty will lead you many kilometers away. The town is small & travel friendly to sink into the greenery. This is one of the best place to spend days with hiking, wildlife watching and drinking fresh tea.

Quick Facts

Total Area: 450.74 sq. km. (Srimangal Upazila) 

Population: 230,889

Total Tea Gardens: 47 (Total 163 Gardens in Sylhet region)

Indigenous group: Monipuri and Khasia.

Festivals: Monipuri Rash Mela Festival (full moon of November)

Atrractions: Tea Plantation, Lawachara Rain Forest, Madhabpur Dam, Rubber & Pineapple Gardens, Monipuri & Khasia tribal community, Cycling & drinking tea including famous Seven Layer Tea.

Check out our Sylhet & Srimangal packages to make a unique and memorable trip.

Place to Visit
16

Cox's Bazar

Longest sandy sea-beach in the world

Cox’s bazar–the longest natural unbroken sandy beach (155 km) in the world! Miles of silvery sands, surfing waves, rare conch shells, towering cliffs, colorful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribal life -this is Cox’s bazaar, the tourist capital of Bangladesh. The morning fish market, a few ancient wooden temples in Ramu, is the most attraction in Cox’s Bazaar. Trip to Sonadia and Moheskhali are memorable experiences of a life-time. This is a very good place to spend the leisure in Bangladesh.

Quick Facts

Length: 155 km. (longest unbroken sea-beach in the world)

City Area: 23.4 km.

Named by: Captain Hiram Cox (British East India Company)

Population: 223,522 (2011 Census)

Attractions: Laboni sea-beach, Himchari & Inani beaches, Maheshkhali Island, Sonadia Island, Ramu Buddhist Temple, Rakhine & Adinath Temple, Fishing Ports, Parachute jumping, Bike rides, Surfing and many more.

Holiday: Friday & Saturday. (crowded) 

Check out our Cox’s Bazar & Saint Martin Tour package to spend your best time in Cox’s Bazar.

Place to Visit
16

World Heritage Site

Paharpur Biddhist Bihar (Sompura Mohavihara)

One of the largest Buddhist monements in the sub-continent .

Paharpur Buddhist Bihar known as Sompura Mohavihara is a UNESCO World Heritage SIte and the largest known Buddhist monastery in the south of the Himalayas has been excavated. This 8th century A.D archaeological find covers an area of 27 acres of land. The entire establishment, occupying a quadrangular court, measuring more than 900ft and from 12ft – 15ft in height with elaborate gateway complex on the north. There are 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of the other three sides with a total number of 177 rooms. The architecture of the pyramidal cruciform temple is profoundly influenced by those of Southeast Asia, especially Myanmar and Java is one of the best places to visit in Bangladesh.

Quick Facts

Location: Noagoan, Bangladesh.

Built: 8th Century AD.

Built for: Dharma Pala. 

Architecture Style: Gupta Pala.

Total Area: 27 acres.

Elavation: 80 feet (24m).

Total Cells: 177.

Monuments Type: Buddhist Religious Palace

Check out our Ancient North Bengal Tour, Paharpur & Temple Village Tour packages to explore this historical place.

Place to Visit
16

Sylhet

Tea Capital of Bangladesh

Sylhet is tea capital, a prime attraction for all tourists visiting Bangladesh. Lying between the Khasia and the Jaintia hills on the north, and the Tripura hills on the south, Sylhet breaks the monotony of the flatness of this land by a multitude of terraced tea gardens, rolling countryside, and the exotic flora and fauna. This is home of the largest Shrines of the region, land of vibrant cultures from tribal & local people,  natural resources like Madhabkunda waterfall, Ratargul Swamp Forest, Tamabil, Jaflong, Lalakhal, Tanguar Haor and Bichanakandi-connected to Meghalaya by the river are most interesting to visit. If you love to feel the nature, this is a very good place to visit.

Quick Facts

Total Area: Metro: 12,298.4 sq. km. 

Population: Metro:  12,102,325

Total Tea Gardens: over 163

Language: Bengali, Sylheti

Indigenous group: Monipuri and Khasia.

Festivals: Monipuri Rash Mela Festival (full moon of November)

Atrractions: Tea Plantations, Ratargul Swamp Forest, Bichanakandi, Lalakhal, Jaflong, Tanguar Haor, Madhabkunda Waterfall and many more.

Check out our Sylhet & Srimangal packages to make a unique and memorable trip.

Place to Visit
16

Saint Martin Island

Coral Island on deep sea.

Saint Martin Island, the only Coral Island of Bangladesh- is inhabited by 7 to 8 thousands of people. Most of them are depended on fishing or fishing related activities. There are beautiful corals on the southern corner of the island. Chera Dwip, another small island should be visited on your trip by the boat. The water is much clearer here compared to another beach. It is possible to snorkeling here if you carry your own equipment. It is fantastic if you stay there during the full moon time.

Quick Facts

Length: 6 km. 

Area: 36 sq. km.

Known as: Narikel Jinjira (Coconut island), Daruchini Dwip (Chinnamon Island).

Population: 4,000

Attractions: Saint Martin main island, Chera Island (Chera Dwip), Boat & Ferry cruise on the sea, Cycling, Seafood etc.

Holiday: Friday & Saturday. (crowded) 

Check out our Cox’s Bazar & Saint Martin Tour package to spend your best time in Cox’s Bazar.

Place to Visit
16

Puthia

Historical Temple City

Puthia is known as temple city, a small village in Rajshahi has the largest number of luscious temples and decayed palaces built by Puthia Hindu Raj family. This is one of the glory of living history in Bangladesh delighted with its unique design and the history told by its terracotta plaques. Undoubtedly, this is a very good place in Bangladesh for the history lovers. 

Quick Facts

Location: Puthia Upazila, Rajshahi.

Built: 16th Century.

Built for: Puthia Raj family

Architecture Style: Jor-Bangla & other influences.

Number of attractions:   6 temples & 2 ruin palaces.

 

Attractions: Pancharatna Govind Temple, Bhubaneshwar Shiva Temple, Jagannath Temple, Bara Anhik Temple, Chota Anhik Temple, Chouchala Chota Govind Temple, Raj Palaces.

Check out our North Bengal-Rajshahi & Rangpur packages to visit this historic place.

Place to Visit
16

World Heritage Site

Bagerhat

Largest Muslim Monument in the sub-continent .

Bagerhat known as heritage city declared by UNESCO, an open-air museum of medieval architectural heritages formerly known as Khalifatabad, was founded by the Turkish general Ulugh Khan Jahan in the 15th century. The city’s infrastructure reveals unusual technical skill and an exceptional number of mosques and early Islamic monuments, many built of brick are more ancient than anywhere in Bangladesh except Dhaka. The historic city, listed by Forbes as one of the 15 lost cities of the world, has more than 50 structures built in the Bengal Sultanate style of Indo-Islamic architectures. Sixty Dome Mosque is one of the largest mosques and represents the flavor of the traditional orthodox mosque, the only example of its kind in the whole of Bengal and the largest Muslim monument in thesub-continent. This is one of the best historical place to visit in Bangladesh.

Quick Facts

Location: Bagerhat, Khulna, Bangladesh.

Found: 15th Century.

Founded by: Ulugh Khan Jahan, a Turkish General.

Attractions: Sixty Dome Mosque (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tomb of Khan Jahan Ali, Nine Dome Mosque, Kodla Math, Singair Mosque, Ronvijoypur Mosque, Bibi Beguni Mosque and many more.

Place to Visit
16

Barisal

Gateways to the water world

Barisal is a port city of Bangladesh surrounded by the river and endless tracts of greenery slacked from the rest of the country. The life depends on the river and it’s much easier to reach than the road. The most exciting thing is people and their cultures allocated with famous backwaters and floating markets. Baitakara & Banaripara are the two major places to experience the largest backwater floating markets in this region. The villages, bazaars, school, fruit gardens, the busy port constantly the humming with life, and to arrive in the morning mist is an unforgotten experience. If you go to Barisal by Rocket Paddle Steamer from Dhaka, it could be a very good option to make it more enjoyable.

Quick Facts

Total Area: Metro: 13,225.20 sq. km. 

Population: 8,325,666 (2011 Census)

Total Rivers: 58.

Attractions: Backwaters, Floating Markets, River Journey, River Port, village & Bazaars, Schools, Fruits & Vegetable gardens, Rice & Saw Mills etc.

Check out our Barisal Backwater Tour, Barisal Backwater & Bagerhat Tour packages to experience Barisal.

Place to Visit
16

Gaud

Ancient capital and mosque city.

Gaud, pronounced Gour is a site of historical importance located in the India-Bangladesh border was a medieval kingdom that great heights in Pre-Muslim and Muslim eras from the 12th-14th centuries. It was the capital of whole Bengal on the time of Buddhist Pala dynasty during 7th-12th century.  The Hindu Senas established their capital here, after which the Khiljis from Turkistan took control for three centuries, to be followed in the late 15th century by the Afghans. Under the Afghans, Gaud became a prosperous city, surrounded by fortified castle and a trench. Affluent with temples, mosques and palaces, the city was visited by traders and merchants from all over Central Asia, Arabia, Persia, and China. This is a rich place to visit for history lovers.

Quick Facts

Location: Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.

Time in the history: 7th-15th century.

Rulling: Sena Dynasty, Pala Dynasty, Mughal, Afgan.

Attractions: Chota Sona Mosque, Darasbari Mosque, Chamchika or Khania Dhigi Mosque, Tahkhana Complex, Dhunichak Mosque etc.

 

 

Check out our Ancient North Bengal Tour package to discover the ancient history.

Place to Visit
16

Dhaka City

Second most densely populated city in the world

Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh beside Buriganga River since 1608 and second, most densely populated city of the world.  It’s a center for Trade and Culture, with a long history as a seat of government. In the 17th century, it was the Mughal capital of Bengal, and many palaces and mosques from that period remained tourist places in Dhaka. Lalbagh Fort- is an incomplete early 17th-century Mughal fort complex that stands before the Buriganga River in the southwestern part of Dhaka is the key attraction for all travelers. American architect Louis Kahn’s National Parliament Building typifies this fast-growing modern metropolis, Sadarghat bank of river Buriganga, Nawab Abdul Gani’s Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace), Sakhari Bazar Hindu street, Mridha Mosque, Dhakeswari National Temple, Armenian Church, Star Mosque, Curzon Hall (University of Dhaka), and the noisy urban space with different friendly people are an ideal place for the tourist.

Quick Facts

Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Capital Established: 17th Century. (Mughal Period)

Total Area: Capital- 306.38 sq. km, Metro-2,161.17 sq. km.

Population: Capital- 8.9 millions (2011 census), Greater Dhaka- 18.2 millions (2016), Floating People: 2-5 millions

Attractions: Lalbagh Fort, National Assembly Building, Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace), Sadarghat, Star Mosque, Armenian Church, Shakhari Bazar Street, Curzon Hall, Dhakeswari Temple, National Museum, Railway stations, Bazaars, Rickshaw Ride, Street Food & Festivals.

Check out our Dhaka City Tour, Dhaka Photography Tour packages to visit Dhaka city and experience the urban space.

Place to Visit
16

Kuakata

Daughter of the sea

Kuakata is one of the rarest places which has the unique beauty of offering the full view of the rising and setting of red sun in the water of the Bay of Bengal in a calm environment. That perhaps makes Kuakata one of the world’s unique beaches. Locally known as Sagar Kannya or Daughter of the Sea is a rare scenic beauty on the southernmost point of Bangladesh. The excellent combination of the picturesque natural beauty, sandy beach, blue sky, huge expanse of water of the Bay and evergreen forest in really eye-catching. The long and wide beach at Kuakata has a typical natural setting. This sandy beach has gentle slopes into the Bay of Bengal and bathing there is as pleasant as is walking or diving.

Quick Facts

Length: 18 km.  Wide: 3 km.

Known as: Sagar Kanya, Daughter of the Sea.

Population: 9077 (2011 Census)

Attractions: Sun rise & Sun set from the beach, Fatra’r Char, Gangamati Reserved Forest & Jhau Bon, Lebur Chor, Keranipara, Misrir para & Amkholapara Biddhist Temple, Sutki Palli (dry fish village), Bike riding etc.

Holiday: Friday & Saturday. (crowded) 

Place to Visit
16

Chittagong Ship Breaking Yard

Largest Ship-breaking yard in the world.

Chittagong Ship Breaking Yard, located in Faujdharjat under Sitakunda Upazila is the world’s largest ship breaking yard handling about a fifth of the world’s total. Hundreds of meters long, ferrying millions of tons of goods across the globe, the sheer size of these immense vessels is dying on the place. However, the destruction and final resting place of these steel giants is even more intriguing. Due to cheaper labor costs and fewer health and safety regulations that have to be followed, the developing world hosts the vast majority of shipbreaking efforts. This is a very unique place to visit yourself in Bangladesh.  A scene of the movie Avengers: Age of Ultron was shot at this place.

Quick Facts

Location: Kumira ship breaking yeard

Area: 20 km in Sitakunda coastal strip and 18 km. in North-west of Chittagong.  

Yearly breaking rate: 800 large ship a year.

Total labor: 200,000

Place to Visit
16

Sonargaon

Old Capital of Bangladesh

Sonargaon or golden city, a historic administrative, commercial and maritime center of Bengal in the Pre-Muslim, Muslim and British period was the capital of Bangladesh for various time in history. It became the seat of the Hindu Deva Dynasty in the mid-13th century and ended in the early 14th century. Sonargaon was under independent rule for some years, before becoming a subsidiary capital of the Sultanate of Bengal. The city ended up when the Muslim rulers decided to move their capital to Dhaka in the 17th century. The British eventually took control of the region and later it was developed with a new neighborhood settled by wealthy Hindu merchants named Panam City. Now it’s a little more than a couple of villages with the distraction of attractive ruins. The Ishakha Palace now Folklore Museum, abandoned Panam Nagar, a cruise on Meghna River and riverside lifestyle is a bunch of interests.

 

Quick Facts

Location: Sonargaon, Bangladesh.

Period: 13th-17th century.

Attractions: Ishakha Palace (Folklore Museum), Panam Nagar, Meghna River Cruise, Island Villages, Fishing & Cultivation and more.

 

 

Check out our Sonargaon River Cruise & Sightseeing Tour package to explore the old capital Sonargaon.

Bangladesh visa on arrival & customs policy

All foreigners require a valid Bangladeshi visa to enter Bangladesh. Since 2011, Bangladesh has started Visa On Arrival (VOA) for a certain list of citizens.  Tourists, investors and business travelers can get a single entry Visa On Arrival in Bangladesh. 

Visa duration, type & entry ports:

▐ The maximum duration of Visa On Arrival (VOA) is 30 days which is expendable for additional 30 days. Read the Visa Extension policy on this page for the detail information.

▐ You will get Single Entry for Visa on Arrival, Multiple Entry is not allowed for this reason. 

▐  All the international Airports and Land Ports provide Visa on Arrival (VOA) for the following restrictions.

Who are eligible for Visa On Arrival (VOA)?

▐ Visitors from countries in which Bangladesh has no Embassy or Diplomatic Mission, and from those countries, which issue Visa on Arrival (VOA) to travelers from Bangladesh, will qualify for Visa on Arrival (VOA) for a genuine visit.

▐ Foreign investors, exporter and the people attending a seminar or symposium organized by the government of Bangladesh will also be eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA). Visitors must produce valid documents (i.e. Invitation Letter) from concerned authorities such as BOI, BEPZA, BGMEA, FBCCI and concerned Ministries of the Government.

▐ The citizens of All European Countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait & Oman can get Visa on Arrival (VOA) for the official duty, business, investment and tourism regardless of the Bangladeshi mission status. ( N.B. Citizens of Ireland do not require a visa). 

▐ Bangladeshi origin foreign citizens, their spouse and children are eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA). VOA seekers must submit proof of Bangladeshi origin e.g., citizenship certificate, current/expired Bangladesh passport.

▐ Officers/staff of the foreign Embassies, UN and subsidiary organizations in Bangladesh are eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA). VOA seekers must submit their appointment letters and other related travel documents.

▐ Members of defense and security forces with prior clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh.

▐ If any listed national arrives in Bangladesh from a third country where there is no Embassy or Mission of Bangladesh, will qualify for Visa on Arrival (VOA). 

N.B: The immigration officer at the port of entry (i.e. airports, land ports etc.) will approve VOA after examining all relevant documents and after his/her full satisfaction. Please use the same port for entry and departure. People from any country under official ban will not, however, qualify for Visa on Arrival (VOA) or Land Permit (LP).

Requirements:

▐ Valid Passport: To enter Bangladesh, you will need a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your stay.

▐ Visa Fee: The Visa On Arrival fee must be paid only in cash when entering Bangladesh and the cost per person is US $51 or €51, with all taxes included.

 Return Ticket: Visitors must have the Return Ticket.

▐ Cost of the Visit: Visitors must have a minimum USD 500 in cash or in credit card (Except those on government duty)

▐ Documents: Visitors must have necessary documents (i.e. Invitation Letter, Hotel Booking) for the visit. Collect your documents from the agency or invited person before arrival, if you visit with any agency or with personal invitation.

Tips:

▐ Enter the immigration hall, you’ll see a visa payment counter (VOA Desk) just before you reach the immigration desks. You can pay in any major currency, or in Taka, but you get the best rate if you pay in American Dollars. Get the receipt and fill out the form given from the counter.

▐  Enter an address and phone number where you’ll be staying. Choose a well-known (for the foreigners) hotel address and phone number, if you don’t have any address. Collect your documents from the agency or invited person before arrival, if you visit with any agency or with personal invitation.

▐ After, just go to the queue of the immigration desk and complete the formalities within a while. The whole process takes a while. There’s no need for any photos, photocopies or application forms. You just need your passport and some cash. 

Customs regulations:

▐  One visitor can carry 200 cigarettes and 1 liter of alcohol as usual while entering.

▐ Foreigners are permitted to bring in US$5000 without declaring it and Bangladeshis can bring in US$2500.

▐  On departure, tourists are allowed to reconvert 25% of the total foreign currency encashed in the country. This is only possible at the airport in Dhaka, and you will need to have your encashment slips with you as proof.

Visa Extension:

▐ Before one week earlier from the expiry date, visit the Immigration & Passport Office, Agargaon in Dhaka. It’s painless to extend your visa. This is also the office where long-term visitors are required to register.

▐ Fill the relevant form, pay the fee (same as the fee for the one-month visa) and get the receipt.

▐ Visa extension completes within three or four days normally. You can keep hold of your passport during this time. 

For further information, contact with us. Pathfriend is always here to help you for any support to visit Bangladesh. Have a nice visit.