Bangladesh, a charming small nation in South Asia that shares borders with India and Myanmar, has yet to reach its full potential in the tourism industry. Despite being home to many breathtaking destinations, it remains one of the least visited places in the world. The locals are incredibly friendly and hospitable towards tourists, welcoming them with open arms and offering assistance wherever possible. The country boasts an array of cultural wonders, including the tea plantations of Srimangal and the stunning golden sands of Cox’s Bazar, which happens to be the third longest beach globally. To aid travelers, we have published a comprehensive travel guide and a top list of must-see attractions in Bangladesh.
Cox’s Bazar
Cox’s Bazar is the premier tourist destination and beach town in Bangladesh, located alongside the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. It boasts an uninterrupted 120-kilometer stretch of golden sand that can be reached via motor transport along the undulating waters. Cox’s Bazar is a wonderland comprising of endless miles of golden beaches, towering cliffs, thrilling waves for surfing, unique conch shells, vibrant pagodas, Buddhist temples, and tribal communities.
It is the most captivating tourist resort in Bangladesh, overflowing with natural wonders. The world’s longest unbroken beach, spanning 120 kilometers, slopes gently down to the serene blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, framed by a breathtaking backdrop of lush green forests on a chain of hills.
Cox’s Bazar is one of the most popular tourist spot in Bangladesh which is situated in the most southern part and the largest (112 km) sea beach in the world. It is the best place to enjoy the scene of sunrise and sunset. The cool fresh air and peaceful weather on the shore will surely make you relaxed. So for a serene and relaxing vacation, this place is mostly recommended to the visitors.
Cox’s Bazar is a beach lover’s dream, with an abundance of options for sand, sun, and sea. There are numerous beaches in the area, including Inani, Kolatoli, Sugandha, and Laboni Point, all of which offer stunning scenery. Moreover, the region boasts a variety of impressive hotels and resorts for visitors to enjoy.
If you’re looking for more than just beaches, the nearby Himchori is a great option. With its hilltops and waterfalls, it is a beautiful place to explore, and it’s conveniently located near Kolatoli beach.
Beyond its natural beauty, Cox’s Bazar is also a shopper’s paradise. The Burmese market has a strong presence in the area, and visitors can browse through a vast selection of items, including decorations, clothing, household goods, cutlery and kitchen supplies, and cosmetics, among other things.
Sundarbans
The Sundarbans, a distinctive ecotourism destination, is the world’s largest mangrove forest and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It extends roughly 80 kilometers from the Bay of Bengal coast into the Bangladeshi and Indian mainland, with 60% of it located in Bangladesh. Despite being surrounded by two of the world’s most densely populated countries on three sides, this 10,500 square kilometer forest remains remote, inhospitable, and largely unpopulated.
This remarkable forest is intersected by an intricate network of rivers, creeks, mudflats, and small islands and comprises two primary ecoregions: the mangrove forest and the freshwater swamp forest. It is the kingdom of Royal Bengal tiger and you will find various kinds of species of birds, animals & plants and I think you should visit the tranquilizing beauty of Sundarbans once in your life.
St. Martin’s Island
St. Martin’s Island is a small landmass located in the northeast region of the Bay of Bengal, approximately nine kilometers south of the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf peninsula’s tip, forming the southernmost part of Bangladesh.
St. Martin’s Island is a small island located in the Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Bangladesh. It is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs, making it a popular destination for tourists. Here are some of the top attractions to see on St. Martin’s Island:
Beaches: The island is home to several beautiful beaches, including the Main Beach, which is the most popular, and the quieter Chhera Dwip Beach. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and relax on the white sandy shores.
Coral Reef: St. Martin’s Island has one of the most extensive coral reefs in the world, making it a top spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors can rent gear and explore the colorful underwater world of the island.
Natural Wonders: The island is home to several natural wonders, including the Natural Bridge, which is a unique rock formation, and the Blue Lagoon, a stunning natural pool surrounded by rocks.
Village Life: Visitors can also explore the local village and learn about the island’s culture and way of life. The island is home to a small fishing community, and visitors can try fresh seafood and interact with the friendly locals.
Sunrise and Sunset: St. Martin’s Island is an excellent place to watch the sunrise and sunset. The island’s secluded location offers unobstructed views of the sun rising and setting over the sea, creating a breathtaking experience.
Sonargaon
Sonargaon, also known as the Village of Gold, served as the former capital of Bengal during the medieval period and was a significant center for administration and commerce. During this time, it was also the capital for minting currency. Various rulers of eastern Bengal used Sonargaon as their capital city from the 13th century onwards. The Hindu Deva dynasty made it their capital in the mid-13th century, but it was later acquired by Muslim rulers who established it as their capital city. Sonargaon, known as the oldest capital of Bangladesh, is home to some of the old buildings.
This place can attract you by its spanless beauty and by the relics of ancient Bengal. By visiting the Sonargaon Museum you can see things people used to use in their everyday life like furniture, ornaments, arms, boats, musical instruments, and many other things related to the heritage of Bengal.
Panam Nagar is perhaps the most visited place in Sonargaon. Founded by the British as a cotton fabric trading center, Panar Nagar initially was a small town of around fifty-two houses, inhabited by Hindus. All the houses are built upon European architectural principles, and the city remains one of the most visited tourist places in Sonargaon.
Here are some other popular tourist places in Bangladesh:
Lalbagh Fort was initiated by Prince Muhammad Azam during the Mughal Empire’s height in 1677, but the construction remained incomplete. The fort comprises three main sections: the Mausoleum of Pari Bibi, Diwan-i-Aam (the Hall of Audience), and Quilla Mosque. The Mausoleum of Pari Bibi is a white marble room with a tomb in the center, accessible only by restricted entry.
Srimongol, located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh, is known as the tea capital of the country and is a tranquil place with cycling trails through tea plantations. Lawachhara National Park and the trek to Hamham waterfalls are popular tourist attractions in Srimangal.
Tangoar Haor, a vast swampland, is located at the foot of the Meghalaya ranges and is fed by about 30 waterfalls, making it a beautiful tourist destination in Sunamgonj. Kaptai Lake is the largest artificial lake in Bangladesh, built-in 1960 for hydroelectricity and a popular tourist spot for local people.
Bandarban, one of the three hill districts of Bangladesh, is a remote and least populated district with many tourist spots, including waterfalls, lakes, and temples. Kuakata, known as Sagar Kannya, is a beautiful beach in Barisal Division famous for its panoramic sea beach and the only place in South Asia where both sunrise and sunset at sea can be observed.
Bangladesh has so much to offer for nature lovers, foodies, and intrepid adventurers alike. While still relatively unknown to travelers outside of Asia, those looking for a truly unforgettable trip to a place draped in both natural and human-made beauty should take some time to learn more about this vast, diverse place and what it has to offer
