As one of the most vibrant countries in Asia, Bangladesh offers an array of experiences to its visitors. Whether you are travelling in a group or solo, there are plenty of things to do in Bangladesh that can turn your trip into a memorable experience. From lush green forests to bustling cities, Bangladesh is a country of contrasts. Despite all the good things, Bangladesh is an underrated tourist destination. However, if you are intrigued to visit the country and try new things, ensure you have an itinerary ready.
Top 10 Things To Do In Bangladesh
It doesn’t matter when you visit the country, you will always have something exciting to try:
1. Explore The Historical Landmarks
Photo: Sohid Hasan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
With so many different historical landmarks to explore, there’s no need for you to wonder what to do in Bangladesh. From forts and monuments to temples and mosques, the entire country is studded with historical buildings and structures. To make things easy, an itinerary that includes the top historical sites in the country will do wonders. This way you won’t miss important places like Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, Kantajew Temple, and Panam Nagar. Another key attraction that needs to be on your list is The Sixty Dome Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the Islamic heritage of the country.
Location: Dhaka, Dinajpur, Bagerhat, and Sonargaon
Best Time To Visit: December to March
2. Enjoy A Fun Rickshaw Ride
Photo: Sukanya Basu / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
It’s not every day you get the chance to enjoy a fun rickshaw ride on the streets of Bangladesh. It is a unique experience that is mainly popular among international tourists. Be it Dhaka, Chattogram, or Bagerhat, you can take a rickshaw ride to explore the streets of Bangladesh and have an exclusive experience. What would most likely fascinate you about the rickshaws are the colourful artwork on their body. This not only makes the vehicles look special but also showcases the creativity of local artisans.
Best Time To Visit: Through out the season
3. Be A Part Of The Traditional Festivals
Photo: Prasanta Kr Dutta / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Besides the popular attractions, Bangladesh is famous for its traditional festivals and events. Throughout the year, they celebrate some or the other festivals with great fervour and joy. So, if you are looking for the best things to do in Bangladesh, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to be a part of the vibrant festivals. Speaking of which, Pohela Boishakh is one of the major festivals celebrated in the country. During this time, people come together to welcome the Bengali New Year with colourful parades, traditional songs, and sweets. Other important festivals that are worth experiencing include Eid-Ul-Fitr, Durga Puja, and Rakher Upobash.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
4. Embrace The Natural Wonders
Photo: Karthik Easvur / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For those who are looking for the best things to see in Bangladesh, the country guarantees you. Home to the largest mangrove forest in the world, Bangladesh has a large number of places to explore. For an incredible experience, you should start your trip at the Sundarbans and get a chance to see the Royal Bengal Tiger. However, if you are fond of serene landscapes, you should go to the tea gardens in Sylhet and taste the fresh produce. Other popular places that are worth exploring include St. Martin’s Island and Ratargul Swamp Forest. It doesn’t matter if you want to enjoy beautiful views or engage in outdoor activities, Bangladesh has everything you need.
Location: Sylhet, Sundarbans, and Chittagong
Best Time To Visit: September to March
5. Savour The Traditional Dishes
Photo: Jubair Bin Iqbal / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you are a foodie by heart, you are going to have a great time in Bangladesh. In every corner of the country, you will find several traditional dishes to try. From sweets to bhortas and rice dishes, Bangladesh has some of the best food items to try. Start your culinary journey with hilsa curry, the national dish of the country, which tastes phenomenal when served with steamed rice. Those who have a thing for spicy foods can enjoy street foods like chotpoti, chaat, and fuchka. Other must-try dishes that you shouldn’t miss include biryani, bhorta, pitha, roshogolla, and mishti doi.
Best Time To Visit: Any time of the year
6. Experience The Paddle Steamer Ride
Photo: Tanima Nasrin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Paddle steamers, also known as rocket steamers, were first introduced in the 19th century during British rule. Although it has been many years, paddle steamers are still in use in some places. If you are looking for a unique experience, you should get on a paddle steamer and travel across the Padma, and Yamuna rivers. For those who don’t know, the paddle steamer connects Dhaka with cities like Barisal and Khulna. With a paddle steamer, you get to experience a comfortable ride on the waters and also enjoy scenic views on the way. To further enhance your experience, you should choose a first-class cabin that offers beautiful wooden interiors.
Location: Dhaka, Barisal, and Khulna
Best Time To Visit: November to December
7. Try Adventurous Activities
Photo: IqbalHossain / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are in the mood to try something adventurous, Bangladesh has a variety of things to offer. From trekking to hiking, and exploring national parks, Bangladesh has everything to satisfy your adventurous soul. One of the best places to go trekking includes the Bandarban Hill Tracts, a Location where you can explore the Nilgiri and Keokradong peaks. However, if you are looking for water-based activities, you should go to Cox’s Bazar. This is the best place to enjoy surfing, jet skiing, and other water sports.
Location: Chittagong, Rangamati District, and Bandarban District
Best Time To Visit: November to February
8. Get Closer To Wildlife
Photo: Shihabur Rahman / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
When it comes to wildlife habitats and bird sanctuaries, you have plenty of places to visit in Bangladesh. Tourists from different places visit the country to witness its diverse wildlife. Sundarbans top the list, which is the largest mangrove forest in the world and is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. Here, you get the chance to see a variety of animals and feel close to nature. While exploring the waterways in Sundarbans, you are likely to spot saltwater crocodiles, otters, or spotted deer. Another exciting place that takes you closer to wildlife is The Lawachara National Park. Here, you can see a wide variety of animals including Phayre’s leaf monkey, capped langur, Bengal slow loris, and others.
Location: Sunderbans and The Lawachara National Park
Best Time To Visit: March to June
9. Dive Into The Handloom Industry
Photo: Suyash.dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
As one of the most culturally rich countries in the world, Bangladesh has a vast handloom industry. If you are interested in checking out handloom weaving or other handcraft processes, you should go to Tangail and Narsingdi. These places in the country are famous for their traditional handwoven textiles and allow you to delve into the art form. Here, you can watch skilled artisans weave jamdani sarees using traditional techniques, and much more. For a more intimate experience, you should visit the rural areas, Location they create various fabrics for sarees, scarves, and home decor. You can also buy these items and support the local communities.
Location: Dhaka and Narsingdi
Best Time To Visit: December to February
10. Shop At The Local Markets
Photo: Min An / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Your trip to Bangladesh is incomplete without exploring the local markets that offer a mix of traditional crafts, vibrant textiles, and fresh produce. From New Market to Aarong and Reazuddin Bazaar to Sadarghat Market, there are plenty of places to go shopping in the country. For sarees and handcrafted jewellery, you should visit the New Market. However, if you are looking for shell ornaments and souvenirs, then Cox’s Bazaar would be the best place for you. Talking about local markets, you should take the time to visit the floating markets in Barisal. This is a unique place, Location you will find people selling fresh produce on boats. Since the entire market is on water, you will have to get on a boat to shop.
Location: Dhaka, Barisal, and Chittagong
Best Time To Visit: Any time of the year
The wide variety of things to do in Bangladesh makes the country more interesting for tourists. From the moment you enter the country, you can keep yourself occupied with some or the other activity. All you have to do is plan your trip with TripXL and you will discover Bangladesh better than you would have imagined.
Cover Photo: Miraz Khan Salman / Unsplash