Highlights
The Sundarbans, a vast UNESCO-listed mangrove forest shared with India, are Bangladesh's natural crown — a labyrinth of tidal waterways explored by boat, home to the elusive Royal Bengal tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles and abundant birdlife; a multi-day river cruise here is the classic Bangladeshi wilderness experience.
Cox's Bazar boasts the world's longest natural sand beach — an astonishing 120 kilometres of unbroken shoreline, a hugely popular domestic resort. The rolling green tea gardens around Srimangal offer gentle walks, seven-layer tea and lush scenery, while the Chittagong Hill Tracts (where access can require permits) present a different, tribal-influenced landscape of hills and lakes.
Dhaka, the frenetic, fascinating capital, assaults the senses with its markets, colourful cycle-rickshaws, Mughal-era Lalbagh Fort, Old Dhaka's riverine chaos and the pink Ahsan Manzil palace. Add the ancient Buddhist ruins of Paharpur, the mosque city of Bagerhat, and river journeys on the country's mighty waterways for a raw, authentic, deeply hospitable adventure.
When to go
November to February (the cool, dry season) is by far the best time to visit — comfortable temperatures and clear skies ideal for the Sundarbans, tea gardens and travel generally.
Summer (March to May) is intensely hot and humid, and the monsoon (June to October) brings heavy rain and widespread flooding that disrupts travel, though the countryside is vividly green. Bangladesh is one of the world's most low-lying, flood-prone countries. For comfortable, practical travel and the best wildlife and sightseeing conditions, firmly aim for the cool, dry winter months of November to February.
Visa & entry
Most visitors need a visa to enter Bangladesh, obtainable in advance from a Bangladeshi mission or, for many nationalities, as a visa on arrival at Dhaka airport for tourism (subject to conditions and proof of funds/hotel). A passport valid six months with blank pages and proof of onward travel are required.
Requirements and visa-on-arrival eligibility vary by nationality and change, so confirm the current process for your nationality with a Bangladeshi embassy or official sources before you travel, and note that some regions (like parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts) may require special permits.
Health & safety
Bangladesh is generally welcoming and safe for travellers in terms of everyday crime, with the population famously hospitable, but it presents real challenges. Petty theft and scams occur in crowded Dhaka, so keep valuables secure. Political demonstrations and strikes ('hartals') can turn disruptive or occasionally violent — avoid them. Road safety is a serious concern, with chaotic, dangerous traffic and frequent accidents, so avoid night travel and choose careful drivers.
Risks include monsoon flooding, tropical disease (take precautions), and some border/hill-tract areas requiring caution or permits. Dress modestly in this conservative Muslim-majority country. Carefully check your government's current travel advisory before departure.
Getting around
Travel within Bangladesh is an adventure. Domestic flights link Dhaka with Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Sylhet and other cities, saving long, slow road journeys. The country's rivers are central — passenger ferries and 'rocket' paddle-steamers offer classic (if basic) journeys through the delta, and Sundarbans trips are entirely boat-based.
Trains connect major cities and are more comfortable than the notoriously congested, hazardous roads (choose better classes and book ahead). In cities, cycle-rickshaws, CNG auto-rickshaws (agree fares) and ride-hailing (Uber, Pathao) get you around Dhaka's chaos. Given traffic and distances, combine flights and trains with hired cars/drivers for the smoothest trip.
Money
The Taka is the local currency and Bangladesh is very much a cash economy — carry plenty of cash for markets, rickshaws, small vendors, tips and rural areas, as card acceptance is limited to upmarket hotels and some establishments in Dhaka and Chittagong. ATMs are available in cities and towns and accept international cards, though with limits.
US dollars can be exchanged (bring clean notes). Bangladesh is very affordable, among the cheapest destinations in Asia. Tipping ('baksheesh') is customary and appreciated — small tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff and helpful service go a long way, and bargaining is expected in markets.
Bangladesh