Bangladesh 7-Day Tour: Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong

• Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
• Start Point: Dhaka — Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
• End Point: Dhaka — Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
• Destinations: Dhaka - Cox's Bazar - Chittagong (Chattogram) - Cumilla - Sonargaon
• Accommodation: Hotels throughout
• Travel Style: Cultural, Coastal and Historical

Tour Overview

Bangladesh packs an extraordinary amount of variety into a small geography. In just 7 days, this tour takes you through three very different worlds. You begin in Dhaka — one of Asia's most densely populated and historically layered cities. Then you head south to Cox's Bazar, home to the world's longest natural sandy beach. From there, you visit Chittagong, a port city with one of the world's most dramatic industrial sights. On the way back, you pass through Cumilla's ancient Buddhist ruins and the ghost town of Sonargaon.

This is not a typical beach holiday. And it is not a pure history trip either. It is a genuine cross-section of Bangladesh — chaotic markets, quiet temple courtyards, crashing ocean waves, rusting shipyards, and centuries-old merchant houses all in one itinerary.

The pace is comfortable. You get proper rest time in Cox's Bazar. You have room to wander and explore. And every stop along the way is chosen to show you something real about this remarkable country.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Dhaka: First Taste of Bangladesh

Location: Dhaka

You arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around midday. Allow at least 2 hours for immigration, baggage claim, and airport formalities — Dhaka's airport is busy, and queues can be long. Your guide or driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall. Transfer to your hotel and check in. Take the first part of the afternoon to rest. A 2 to 3 hour rest after a long flight makes a real difference — you will want your energy for the evening ahead.

By early evening, step out to experience Dhaka's famous street food scene. This is one of the best things you can do on your first night. The streets of Dhaka come alive after dark with food stalls, smoke, noise, and color. Try fuchka — the Bangladeshi version of pani puri, filled with spiced chickpeas and tamarind water. Follow it with chotpoti, a tangy chickpea chaat topped with boiled eggs and chillies. If you are still hungry, grab some grilled chicken from a roadside skewer stall and finish with jilapi — hot, syrupy, spiral-shaped sweets fried fresh to order. This is not fine dining. It is better than that. It is Dhaka at its most alive. Overnight stay in Dhaka.

Day 2 - Old Dhaka: History, River Life and the Real City

Location: Dhaka

Start the morning with a proper Old Dhaka breakfast — paratha (layered flatbread), dal (spiced lentils), and egg curry. This is what Dhaka has eaten for breakfast for generations. Simple, filling, and absolutely delicious.

Your first stop is Ahsan Manzil, the Pink Palace. Built in the 19th century, this striking rose-coloured palace was once the official residence of the Nawabs of Dhaka. Today it is a museum. The architecture is a mix of Mughal and European styles, and the riverside setting makes it one of the most photogenic buildings in the city.

From the palace, take a short boat ride on the Buriganga River. The Buriganga is the lifeblood of Old Dhaka. You will see wooden ferries carrying hundreds of passengers, small fishing boats, and the enormous frames of ships being dismantled at the riverbank. The scene is chaotic and fascinating in equal measure.

Walk through Shankhari Bazar, one of Old Dhaka's most unique streets. This centuries-old lane is home to the Hindu artisan community, famous for crafting conch shell bangles — a traditional bridal ornament. The workshops are open to visitors, and watching the craftsmen work is genuinely absorbing.

Continue to Sadarghat, the main river port of Dhaka — one of the busiest inland ports in the world. Then pass through Chowk Bazar, a historic market overflowing with spices, dried foods, and street stalls that have been trading since the Mughal era.

For lunch, do not skip the kacchi biryani of Old Dhaka. This slow-cooked mutton biryani, sealed and cooked in its own steam, is one of the great dishes of Bangladesh. Several old restaurants in this area have been serving it for over a century.

In the afternoon, visit the Dhaka University campus, one of the most historic and politically significant institutions in the country. Nearby, stop at Dhakeshwari Temple, the national temple of Bangladesh and one of the oldest Hindu shrines in Dhaka. End your afternoon with some souvenir shopping at New Market — a sprawling bazaar where you can find everything from traditional muslin fabric to handicrafts and clothing.

In the evening, head to the modern Gulshan or Banani district for dinner. The contrast with Old Dhaka is striking — glass buildings, international restaurants, and wide streets. It is the same city, but a completely different world. Overnight stay in Dhaka.

Day 3 - Fly to Cox's Bazar: The World's Longest Beach

Location: Cox's Bazar

Depart early from your hotel to catch your morning flight to Cox's Bazar. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes and offers aerial views of the river delta below. Arrive around 12 PM, transfer to your hotel, and check in.

Cox's Bazar is home to the world's longest natural unbroken sandy beach — stretching 120 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal. The water is warm, the sand is wide, and the atmosphere is relaxed. After two full days in the density of Dhaka, this is a welcome change of pace.

Spend the afternoon simply walking along the beach, breathing in the sea air, and getting your bearings. The beach is most beautiful at this time of day, when the light softens and the fishing boats head out to sea.

In the evening, visit the Fish Aquarium near the beach area — a modest but interesting attraction with local marine species from the Bay of Bengal. After the aquarium, head to one of the beachside restaurants for dinner. Fresh seafood here is exceptional and very affordable. Overnight stay in Cox's Bazar.

Day 4 - Inani Beach, Himchori and Fresh Seafood

Location: Cox's Bazar

After breakfast, set out on a scenic coastal road trip. Your first stop is Inani Beach, about 35 kilometres south of Cox's Bazar. Inani is quieter and wilder than the main beach. The shoreline here is dotted with large, smooth coral rocks that emerge from the sand — a completely different character to the main beach stretch. It is ideal for photography and quiet walks.

Continue to the Himchori Waterfall Viewpoint. Himchori is a small hillside waterfall that cascades down towards the coast. The viewpoint above offers one of the best panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal coastline. The combination of sea, hills, and forest is genuinely spectacular.

On the way back, stop at the local fish market. Cox's Bazar has one of the most active fishing communities in Bangladesh. The market is colourful, noisy, and full of the morning's catch — tuna, hilsha, prawns, crabs, and dozens of other species. Even if you are not buying, the market is worth seeing.

Back in Cox's Bazar, enjoy a proper fresh seafood lunch — grilled fish, prawn curry, or lobster depending on the season. Prices here are a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere in the world for seafood of this quality.

Spend the rest of the afternoon unwinding at the beach. Stay for the sunset — Cox's Bazar sunsets over the Bay of Bengal are considered among the most beautiful in South Asia. Dinner is flexible: beachside barbecue or hotel dining, whichever suits your mood. Overnight stay in Cox's Bazar.

Day 5 - Drive to Chittagong: Shipbreaking Yards and Foy's Lake

Location: Chittagong (Chattogram)

After breakfast, depart Cox's Bazar by road and drive north to Chittagong (officially known as Chattogram), arriving around 11 AM. The journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours through coastal landscape and small fishing towns.

Your first stop in Chittagong is the Chittagong Shipbreaking Yard at Sitakunda — the second-largest ship dismantling facility in the world. Enormous ocean-going vessels are beached here at high tide and broken down manually by thousands of workers. It is one of the most dramatic industrial sights you will ever see. Rusting hulls the size of buildings are cut apart with blowtorches and hauled away piece by piece. It is raw, impressive, and unlike anything else on this itinerary. Souvenirs made from upcycled ship parts — nuts, bolts, plaques, and fittings — are available to buy from nearby shops.

In the late afternoon, head to Foy's Lake, a large, quiet artificial lake set among low hills on the outskirts of the city. It is a popular local retreat — peaceful, green, and a world away from the shipyard you visited earlier. Relax here before the evening.

As the sun goes down, drive to Patenga Beach, Chittagong's own coastal strip at the mouth of the Karnaphuli River. Watch the sunset over the river delta and the Bay of Bengal. Nearby, the Naval Jetty area offers a good view of naval vessels and the busy port channel.

End the day exploring Chittagong's local street food scene — the city has its own distinct culinary identity, slightly different from Dhaka. Try the local specialties from roadside stalls before heading back to your hotel. Overnight stay in Chittagong.

Day 6 - Return to Dhaka via Cumilla and Sonargaon

Location: Chittagong → Cumilla → Sonargaon → Dhaka

An early start today — depart Chittagong by 6 AM to make the most of a day packed with historical sights on the road back to Dhaka.

Your first major stop is Cumilla (formerly Comilla), where you will visit the Mainamati Ruins and Shalban Bihar. This is one of the most important Buddhist archaeological sites in Bangladesh. The Mainamati hills were once a major centre of Buddhist civilization between the 7th and 12th centuries AD. Shalban Bihar is the largest of the excavated monasteries — a quadrangular structure with a central temple and over 100 monks' cells surrounding it. The on-site museum holds terracotta plaques, bronze statues, gold coins, and religious artifacts excavated from the site. It is quiet, well-maintained, and genuinely impressive.

Continue west to Sonargaon, the ancient capital of Bengal. The star attraction here is Panam City — a ghost town of nearly 50 abandoned merchant houses built in the 19th century by wealthy Hindu traders. The houses are crumbling, overgrown, and eerie in the best possible way. Walking through Panam City feels like stepping into a forgotten chapter of history. Nearby, the Folk Art and Craft Museum (Zainul Abedin Sonargaon Museum) houses an excellent collection of traditional Bangladeshi crafts, textiles, pottery, and folk art.

Arrive in Dhaka by evening, check in to your hotel, and rest after a long but rewarding day. Overnight stay in Dhaka.

Day 7 - Final Morning in Dhaka and Departure

Location: Dhaka

Your final day in Bangladesh. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours to spend in the city before transferring to the airport.

If time allows, visit Hatirjheel — a beautifully developed urban lake in the heart of modern Dhaka, surrounded by walking paths, bridges, and city skyline views. It is calm, photogenic, and a pleasant contrast to the intensity of Old Dhaka. Alternatively, browse the floors of Bashundhara City Mall for last-minute shopping, or drive past the grand National Parliament Complex (Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban), designed by the celebrated architect Louis Kahn — an extraordinary piece of brutalist architecture worth seeing even from outside.

Transfer to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for your international departure. Allow at least 3 hours before your flight for check-in, security, and immigration at Dhaka airport. Farewell and end of tour.

What Is Included

- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- All transportation between cities — private car and domestic flight (Dhaka to Cox's Bazar)
- 6 nights hotel accommodation — 2 nights Dhaka, 2 nights Cox's Bazar, 1 night Chittagong, 1 night Dhaka
- Daily breakfast at all hotels
- Authentic Bengali lunch on Day 1
- Kacchi biryani lunch in Old Dhaka on Day 2
- Boat ride on the Buriganga River (Day 2)
- Rickshaw ride through Old Dhaka (Day 2)
- All sightseeing entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
- Experienced English-speaking local tour guide throughout
- All applicable taxes and service charges

What Is Not Included

- International flights to and from Bangladesh
- Bangladesh visa fees
- Travel insurance (bly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal drinks, snacks, and street food purchases
- Optional beachside dinner in Cox's Bazar (Day 3 and Day 4)
- Upcycled ship part souvenirs at Chittagong Shipbreaking Yard
- Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
- Alcoholic beverages
- Laundry and personal expenses
- Any activities not specified in the itinerary
- Camera and photography fees at certain heritage sites

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Bangladesh?

Yes, absolutely. This itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors. It covers Bangladesh's most accessible and rewarding destinations — Dhaka's history, Cox's Bazar's coastline, and Chittagong's industrial drama — without being too demanding or requiring any special physical fitness. Your English-speak

How long is the beach in Cox's Bazar and is it safe to swim?

Cox's Bazar beach stretches 120 kilometres — making it the longest natural sandy beach in the world. Swimming is popular and generally safe, though currents can be b depending on the season and tidal conditions. Always swim in designated areas where lifeguards are present, and check local advice on water conditions before entering the sea. The beach is at its calmest between November and March.

What is the Chittagong Shipbreaking Yard and can tourists visit?

The Sitakunda Shipbreaking Yard near Chittagong is one of the largest ship dismantling sites in the world. Enormous decommissioned cargo ships, tankers, and ocean liners are beached here and broken down by hand. Tourists can observe the yard from public viewing areas and the perimeter. Access inside the active sections is restricted for safety and operational reasons. Your guide will take you to the best viewing points and provide full context for what you are seeing.

What are Mainamati Ruins and why are they significant?

The Mainamati-Lalmai hill range near Cumilla contains the remains of a major Buddhist civilization that flourished between the 7th and 12th centuries AD. The most important site is Shalban Bihar — a large excavated monastery complex with over 100 monks' cells and a central temple. The on-site museum displays gold coins, bronze statues, terracotta plaques, and religious objects found during excavation. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Bangladesh and is often overlooked by international visitors.

What is Panam City in Sonargaon?

Panam City is a ghost town within the historic area of Sonargaon, once the capital of Bengal. It consists of nearly 50 abandoned 19th-century merchant houses built by wealthy Hindu traders who fled during the partition of British India. The houses are ornate, crumbling, and hauntingly atmospheric. Walking through Panam City is one of the most unusual and memorable experiences in all of Bangladesh. The nearby Folk Art Museum adds cultural context to the visit.

Is the domestic flight from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar reliable?

Domestic flights in Bangladesh operate on several airlines including Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, and Novo Air. Flights to Cox's Bazar are frequent and generally reliable, though short delays are not uncommon, especially during the busy November to February tourist season. Your tour operator will book the most reliable available option. Always reconfirm your flight the evening before departure.

Is Bangladesh suitable for solo female travelers?

Bangladesh can be a rewarding destination for solo female travelers, particularly with a reputable guided tour. Having a local guide significantly improves safety and comfort. Modest dress is advisable throughout the trip. Dhaka, Cox's Bazar, and Chittagong all have plenty of accommodation and services used to international visitors. As with any destination, standard safety awareness applies — stay alert in crowded areas, keep valuables secure, and stay in touch with your guide or hotel.

Final Thoughts

Seven days is just enough time to understand why Bangladesh deserves far more attention than it gets on the international travel circuit. This tour gives you a real cross-section of the country — not just the highlights, but the texture. The chaos of Old Dhaka. The quiet vastness of the Bay of Bengal. The industrial scale of the shipbreaking yard. The eerie silence of Panam City. The ancient stones of Mainamati.

None of these places feel like tourist traps. They feel like Bangladesh — unpolished, genuine, and full of life.

Come with an open mind, a healthy appetite, and comfortable shoes. Bangladesh will surprise you in the best possible way. It almost always does.