Asia · Destination Guide
Bangladesh
Mangrove tigers, the world's longest beach & river-woven delta
Bangladesh is one of the world's great under-the-radar destinations — a low-lying delta laced by the mighty Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers, home to the Sundarbans (the largest mangrove forest on Earth and stronghold of the Royal Bengal tiger) and Cox's Bazar, the longest natural sea beach in the world.
Densely populated and dazzlingly green, it rewards the adventurous with genuine warmth, near-total absence of other tourists, and remarkable variety — tea gardens rolling over Sylhet's hills, the river life of the delta aboard the old "Rocket" paddle steamers, and the chaotic, colourful energy of Dhaka. South Asia's last true frontier.
The largest mangrove forest on Earth, home to the Royal Bengal tiger.
Don't Miss
The Unmissables
The Sundarbans
The world's largest mangrove forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site straddling the delta — a labyrinth of tidal waterways, spotted deer, crocodiles and, prowling the shadows, the Royal Bengal tiger. Explore by boat on a multi-day cruise through one of the planet's most extraordinary wildernesses.
Cox's Bazar
An unbroken 120km ribbon of sand along the Bay of Bengal — the longest natural sea beach in the world, hugely popular with domestic holidaymakers and backed by palm-covered hills. Nearby Saint Martin's coral island offers the country's clearest waters.
Srimangal & the tea hills
The green heart of Sylhet division — endless rolling tea gardens, the Lawachara rainforest with its hoolock gibbons, pineapple and lemon groves, and the famous seven-layer tea. A cool, tranquil, beautiful counterpoint to the delta lowlands.
Dhaka & river life
One of the world's most intensely alive cities — the cycle-rickshaw capital of the planet, the Mughal Lalbagh Fort, the frenetic Sadarghat riverfront, and Old Dhaka's bazaars. From here the rivers lead everywhere; a paddle-steamer or launch journey through the delta is unforgettable.
Timing Is Everything
When to Go
Cool & dry
Pleasant, dry and the only sensible time for the Sundarbans and travel generally.
Shoulder
Warm and mostly dry at the edges of the cool season — still good.
Pre-monsoon
Very hot and humid, with violent Nor'wester storms building.
Monsoon
Heavy rains and widespread flooding across the low-lying delta.
The Route
The Perfect Bangladesh Itinerary
Dhaka
Old Dhaka's Lalbagh Fort and bazaars, the Sadarghat riverfront, rickshaw-packed streets.
The Sundarbans
A multi-day boat cruise through the mangroves in search of tigers, deer and crocodiles.
Srimangal or Cox's Bazar
Tea gardens and rainforest gibbons, or the world's longest beach on the Bay of Bengal.
Plan Your Spend
What Bangladesh Costs
Backpacker
Cheap hotels, rice-and-curry bhat, buses and trains, rickshaws, shared launches on the rivers.
Mid-range
Comfortable hotels, Sundarbans boat tours, domestic flights, tea-estate stays in Srimangal.
Luxury
Top Dhaka hotels, private Sundarbans cruises, guides, and the best coastal resorts.
Estimates per person, excluding international flights. Book stays via our partners to support free guides like this one.
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