You want to see the best of Bangladesh in one trip, but the country’s geography makes planning tricky. Rivers split the land, roads can be slow, and ferry schedules change with the seasons. A good itinerary needs to match transport realities, not just a list of places.
Start in Dhaka. Most international flights land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Give yourself two days here. Day one: visit the Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, and the Star Mosque. Day two: take a rickshaw ride through Old Dhaka’s narrow lanes, see the Shankhari Bazaar, and cross the Buriganga River by small boat. Dhaka traffic is heavy, so plan activities within a few kilometers of each other.
From Dhaka, the easiest next stop is Srimangal. Take the overnight train from Kamalapur Railway Station. The Parabat Express leaves at 11:30 PM and reaches Srimangal around 6:00 AM. Book a sleeper seat in advance through the Bangladesh Railway website or a local agent. In Srimangal, spend two days exploring tea gardens, Lawachara National Park, and the Baikka Beel wetland. Stay at a tea estate bungalow or a budget guesthouse near the train station.
Heading to the Hill Tracts and the Beach
From Srimangal, go to Bandarban in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Take a bus from Srimangal to Chittagong (5 hours), then another bus to Bandarban (2 hours). Foreigners need a permit to enter the Hill Tracts. Apply at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Bandarban or through a registered tour operator. The permit costs around 500 BDT and takes a few hours. Once in Bandarban, plan three days: hike to Nilgiri, visit the Shoilo Propat waterfall, and explore the Marma villages. Accommodation options range from basic huts to comfortable resorts.
Next, head to Cox’s Bazar. From Bandarban, take a direct bus (3 hours). Cox’s Bazar has the world’s longest natural sea beach, stretching 120 kilometers. Spend two days relaxing on the beach, visiting Himchari National Park, and taking a day trip to Inani Beach. For a quieter experience, stay at a hotel in Kolatoli or Sugandha Point. Avoid the crowded Sugandha Beach area if you want peace.
Returning to Dhaka and Departure
From Cox’s Bazar, fly back to Dhaka. US-Bangla Airlines and Biman Bangladesh Airlines operate daily flights. The flight takes 50 minutes and costs around 5,000 BDT one way. Book online at least a week in advance. If you prefer the train, take a bus to Chittagong (4 hours) then the Sonar Bangla Express to Dhaka (7 hours). The train departs Chittagong in the morning and afternoon.
For a two-week itinerary, add Sundarbans from Khulna. From Dhaka, take a bus to Khulna (8 hours), then a launch to the Sundarbans. Hire a boat from Mongla port for a 3-day tour. Permits are required and can be arranged through the Forest Department in Khulna.
Season matters. The best time to travel is from October to March. Monsoon (June to September) causes ferry cancellations and road flooding. Summer (April to May) is hot and humid. Always confirm transport schedules a day before departure, as timings change frequently.
Pack light, breathable clothes, insect repellent, and a power bank. Mobile network coverage is good in cities but patchy in hill tracts and forests. Carry cash, as ATMs are scarce outside major towns.
