Ten must-do activities when you’re traveling in Bangladesh

1. Take the old paddle steamer through the mangroves

One of the most unique experiences you can have in Bangladesh is a journey on the old paddle steamer, which is over one hundred years old. All day long you can enjoy the rustic life around the river, while you imagine yourself a century back on this nostalgic boat. What a peace, the boat slides slowly through the water, the landscape is green and tropical, in the distance people work the rice fields, here and there you see men carrying stones at the many brick factories, egrets fly over. Who knows, you might even spot freshwater dolphins. You can also explore the boat itself. There is just as much to see on board, with its many passengers and vendors, as there is in the surrounding landscape. You can have lunch in the ‘dining room’, a long dining table that invites you to be included in a film about life in the roaring twenties.

An orange paddle steamer sits on the water next to other boats.

2. Surfing at Cox’ Bazar

If you want something different from the usual waves and beach clubs, you can visit Cox’s Bazar. There are good waves all year round and a fanatic group of surfers is active. Beginners can take lessons. The rest can just rent a board. The surf scene in Bangladesh is still young and the level is therefore not too high. As an average surfer you could quickly make an impression! The scene is rapidly growing and surfing is getting more and more popular.

A surfer holds up the flag of Bangladesh while riding a wave.

3. Scuba diving or snorkeling at St. Martin’s Island

Saint Martin’s Island is a small tropical island to the extreme south-east Bangladesh and in front of the coast of Myanmar. It has beautiful white bounty beaches completely with palm trees and charming settlements, ideal for a relaxing day. There is also a coral reef where you can snorkel or scuba dive.

A serene beach scene with several small boats in the turquoise water, a sandy shore with scattered people, and a clear blue sky above.

4. Visit the tea plantations of Sreemangal

Sreemangal is the tea capital of Bangladesh. It’s a lush green area with some hills and also close to several small nature reserves and home to many native tribes. A visit to this beautiful reason is a must. Find your inner peace by wandering through the plantations and complete your journey by having the perfect cup of tea.

A lush, verdant landscape of terraced tea plantations and rice paddies nestled amidst rolling hills and trees under soft light.

5. Go tiger spotting in the mangroves of the Sundarbans

The Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest. You will find an exotic animal world here, including the Bengal tiger. The Sundarbans even has the highest tiger density of any national park in the world. Nearly 10% of the tigers living in the wild live in the Sundarbans, where they are notorious for regularly devouring people who live here! In addition to tigers, there are more than 300 bird species, otters, monkeys, crocodiles, deer, boars and river dolphins. For your trip you’ll discover the park by boat, where you can hop off and also take hikes within the park. Accommodation is usually on the boat itself or in basic guesthouses. The park is Bangladesh’s most beautiful natural highlight and one of the biggest natural wonders of all of the Indian subcontinent.

A tiger strides through a shallow, rocky river, its orange and black stripes contrasting with the blue water and tan stones.

6. Discover Dhaka by rickshaw

The best way to get to know this immense city, which is bustling with life is the local way: by rickshaw. Dhaka is a chaotic city full of people and endless rows of rickshaws, cars, taxis, mopeds, bicycles, street vendors, etc. The ‘rickshaw capital of the world’ does cause countless congestion; be patient and be amazed at how everyone finds their way.

A busy street scene in Bangladesh with colorful rickshaws, vendors selling goods, and many people walking around.

7. Try the local food

Bengali food is delicious and has a lot of variety to offer. It has a lot of similarities with the neighboring Indian provinces as well as Persian influences and even British and Portuguese. Throughout your trip you can taste all kinds of snacks, street food and a wide range of yummy dishes at the local restaurants.

A table laden with many bowls and plates filled with a variety of dishes, including rice, curries, and vegetables, with two hands pointing to different items.

8. Visit the ship breaking yard at Chittagong

Bangladesh has the second largest shipwreck breaking site in the world after India. This notorious site employs over 200.000 workers who are working in very unsafe circumstances. Even with all the accidents happening, the daily business of ship dismantling continues as people are in need for work. A trip to this place will not only be impressive, but also give you a macro-perspective on our world.

Workers dismantle a ship in a scrapyard, one welding while another holds an umbrella for shade. Other ship parts litter the scene, with more ships visible in the background.

9. Visit the longest beach in the world at Cox’ Bazar

Ever thought of Bangladesh as a beach destination? With a coastline of 125 kilometers, Cox’s Bazar in the south has the longest beach in the world. Funnily enough, the local tourists are all looking for the same small stretch of beach, making it bustling on the boulevard in Cox’s Bazar. The rest of the kilometre-long beach is almost empty. There you can read a book in peace.

A man walks along a sandy beach dotted with vibrant red umbrellas and lounge chairs under a clear blue sky.

10. Befriend a local

People in Bangladesh are very welcoming and open to receive visitors. They are often genuinely interested in getting to know you and befriending you. Take your time to talk to people and listen to them and maybe you’ll have a new best friend in Bangladesh.

A vendor stands behind a table laden with radishes, tomatoes, eggplants, and chilies at a bustling outdoor market.