Bangladesh

Bangladesh rewards curious travellers with contrasts at every turn. Begin in Dhaka, where the pink façade of Ahsan Manzil, the busy lanes of Old Dhaka and the grand National Parliament House offer very different glimpses of the capital. Set aside time for Lalbagh Fort, Sadarghat’s riverside bustle and a rickshaw ride through neighbourhoods painted with colourful artwork. Beyond the capital, Sonargaon makes an easy cultural escape, while Sylhet and Srimangal are known for tea gardens, green landscapes and relaxed walks. The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is best explored on an organized boat trip; book with a reputable operator and allow extra days for weather or river delays. Cox’s Bazar offers a long sea beach, while Chattogram provides access to coastal scenery and lively markets. Use Hello’s trip-planning tools to organize transport, accommodation and boat excursions in one itinerary. Bangladesh’s monsoon, generally June to September, can bring flooding and disrupted journeys, so check local conditions before travelling between regions.

Bangladesh is easiest to navigate with patience and a flexible schedule. In cities, cycle rickshaws are atmospheric for short distances, while CNG auto-rickshaws and ride-hailing services are useful for longer hops. Agree a rickshaw or CNG fare before departure, carry small notes and allow generous time in Dhaka’s traffic. Intercity trains connect Dhaka with destinations including Sylhet, Srimangal, Chattogram and Khulna; reserve seats when possible, particularly around holidays. Buses reach almost everywhere, but journey times can be unpredictable, and some roads are tiring after dark. Ferries and launches are practical—and often memorable—in the delta, though river conditions may cause cancellations. For the Sundarbans, use a registered tour company rather than arranging a remote boat independently. Driving yourself is rarely relaxing because traffic is dense and road conditions vary; hiring an experienced local driver is more practical. Keep your phone charged and download key addresses before leaving your hotel. A Hello eSIM, bought and activated before landing, can keep maps, translation and ride-booking available without roaming charges.

Bangladeshi food is rich, aromatic and wonderfully regional. In Dhaka, explore Old Dhaka for kacchi biryani, fragrant rice layered with spiced meat and potatoes, then try beef or chicken tehari, haleem and smoky kebabs. Across the country, look for bhorta—mashed vegetables or fish mixed with chilli, mustard oil and spices—alongside dal, rice and seasonal fish. Chattogram is famous for mezban-style beef, while Sylhet has distinctive preparations using citrus and chilli. Tea is central to daily life; Srimangal’s tea gardens are an ideal place to sample a fresh cup. Street snacks such as fuchka, jhalmuri and singara are tempting, but choose busy stalls where food is cooked in front of you and turnover is high. Drink sealed bottled or filtered water, and carry hand sanitizer for markets and roadside stops. In small eateries, cash is usually easiest. Use Hello’s expense-splitting feature when sharing platters, boat meals or café bills, and record spending in Bangladeshi taka with its budget tracker.

Bangladesh uses the Bangladeshi taka (BDT), and cash remains essential for rickshaws, tea stalls, markets and small restaurants. Withdraw money in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet or another major town before heading to rural areas or the Sundarbans, where ATMs can be scarce. Carry smaller notes because vendors may not be able to change large bills. Keep valuables discreet, especially in crowded markets and transport hubs, and avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, which can change quickly. Dress modestly: lightweight clothing covering the shoulders and knees is comfortable and respectful, particularly near mosques and religious sites. Remove shoes when entering a mosque or home, ask before photographing people and use your right hand when giving or receiving items. Traffic is intense, so take care crossing roads and consider a local driver for longer journeys. Check visa rules through Bangladesh’s official online visa portal before booking; requirements vary by nationality and may change. Install Hello and activate Hello eSIM before departure so you can contact accommodation, access maps and receive updates as soon as you arrive.