"Saagar's Bangladesh pages" Top 5 Page for this destination Bangladesh by Saagar

Bangladesh Travel Guide: 479 reviews and 1,341 photos

Bangladesh - a surprise!

Yes, in many ways Bangladesh is a surprise.
Within its short recent history of independence (since '71), political turmoil and bad news has been much of the news heard of the country in foreign media.
But there is another side to Bangladesh that is worth exploring. It is a genuinely unique place to visit for a number of reasons:
- The Bangladeshi countryside is very green and beautiful.
- The people are beautiful and welcoming and curious
- The seafood is very good
- There are some significant places of historical and ecological interest.

Most of these things are unknown to travellers - "why bother about Bangladesh?" seems to be the sentiment. But as you will see in other's VT tips sections, many find Bangladesh an easier place to travel in than India. But, like for India, you got to be well prepared.

"Visit Bangladesh before the tourists come!"

Rice, the prime crop and staple

This was the slogan of the government tourist company, the Parjatan Corporation, when I first visited Bangladesh in 1980.
I came back in 1986 only to see the same catchy slogan.
In 2001 I visited again, but didn't look for the sign. But by the number of bona fide tourists I could see, I could deduct that the slogan hadn't been much successful.
And I am hoping to find a new opportunity to go, and I'll report on the signage then!

Bangladesh Online Resources:

Rickshaw art

Getting Started:
http://www.bangladesh.gov.bd/
http://www.bangla2000.com/
http://www.bgyellowpages.com/
http://www.frugalfun.com/bangladesh.html

News:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/index.php
http://www.bdnews24.com/home.php
http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/banglade.htm

Travel:
Parjatan Corporation: http://www.bangladeshtourism.gov.bd/
Train: http://www.railway.gov.bd/
Boat: http://iguide.travel/Bangladesh/Getting_Around/By_boat
Bus: http://www.greenlineparibahan.com/route_map.html
Planes: http://www.biman-airlines.com/schedule/intl_schedule.asp

Places:
Dhaka: http://www.dhakacity.org/
Chittagong: http://www.chittagong-website.com/
Sylhet: http://www.bangla2000.com/Bangladesh/Cities/sylhet.shtm
Cox' Bazaar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cox's_Bazar_District
Sundarbans: http://www.unep-wcmc.org/sites/wh/pdf/Sundarbans%20%5Bboth%5D.pdf
Chittagong Hill Tracts: http://www.angelfire.com/ab/jumma/cht.html
St. Martins Island: http://travel.discoverybangladesh.com/travel-St.Martins-nijhum-island.html

Pros and Cons

Pros:Wonderful countryside, amazing life in the cities
Cons:Crowded, hard travelling

Last visit to Bangladesh: Feb 2001
Intro Updated Feb 4, 2010
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (78)

A sat image of Cox' Bazaar, you get closer - Bangladesh

Good coverage of Bangladesh on Google... Favorites (8)

Google Earth is actually a good tool for travel planning to Bangladesh. The sat photo coverage is of good detail and... more travel advice

Train Dhaka-Chittagong Transportation (9)

I found travelling by train in Bangladesh delightful. But you have to look at is as entertainment, not purely... more travel advice

An excellent shop with a cause Shopping (11)

Aarong has a series of outlets in Bangladesh (7 at the last count), and an export branch at the head office in... more travel advice

Good maps Shopping (11)

In this shop in the foyer of the Sonargaon Hotel downtown Dhaka there is a decent range of books and also quite a few... more travel advice

Nightlife (4)
See All Delhi Night Life
Restaurants (4)
See All Hot chillies
Tourist Traps (1)
Sweet peanut sellers
Things to Do (18)
See All Buddhist influence in the Raozan area of...
Warnings and Dangers (12)
See All Flimsy bridges

Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All Maheskhali Island Buddhist stupas
Local Customs (3)
See All Appropriate dress for women.
Sports & Outdoors (3)
See All Tired of Chittagong City?
Hotels (2)
See All Hotel in Comilla
What to Pack (1)
Packing for Bangladesh

Travelogues (3)

1 - 3 of 3

Comments (13)

Reply
- Report abuse
muguruki Jan 24, 2011 at 7:26 AM

The more I read about Bagladesh the more tempting it gets. The way I fancy seeing the country is on a locally bought bike. Loving your tips.
Reply
- Report abuse
earthflyer Mar 11, 2010 at 11:35 AM

Bangladesh was a big surprise for me aswell and one day hope to return to see North Bangladesh. It's a shame all we ever here about the country is the bad things but cleary there is another side to the country.
Reply
- Report abuse
marina3250 Jun 8, 2009 at 3:08 AM

thank you for all the details you put on your site ! i would like now to go in bangladesh and explore this country as well as you do it !
Reply
- Report abuse
janiebaxter Jan 21, 2008 at 1:33 PM

Hi Thanks for very useful tips and pages! I will be travelling there in March- really looking forward to it!
Reply
- Report abuse
grets Oct 25, 2007 at 5:06 AM

Just come back from Bangladesh - the sign is still there, but still no tourists!
Reply
- Report abuse
Rumi-fan Aug 12, 2007 at 4:32 AM

Your Bangladesh pages remind me so much of Pakistan. I notice you've been there too. Can you put up some of your pics and info from there? See my Paki pages.
Reply
- Report abuse
NEILHALLIDYA Nov 27, 2005 at 7:16 AM

Very interesting pages.
Reply
- Report abuse
Narviking Jul 6, 2005 at 1:18 PM

Godt å se at det er flere enn meg som liker Bangladesh !
Reply
- Report abuse
calcaf38 Feb 9, 2005 at 2:48 PM

Saagar, your Bangladesh pages are terrific. I have been planninig to go there, and your tips are most informative. Thank you.
Reply
- Report abuse
travelife Sep 9, 2004 at 1:05 PM

Nice description and some really nice pictures from Bangladesh!