• Overall

  Journey through Bangladesh and Bengal on this tour designed not only to tick off all the must-sees... Rather, to give you a full Bangladesh tour experience, immersing you in the region's rich culture, and natural beauty. Live and eat alongside locals as we head into different communities, visit schools, and make friends with the otters. 

  We start our adventure in Dhaka. Here, we'll explore iconic landmarks such as Parliament House, Dhakeshwari Temple, and Lalbagh Fort. We'll try the iconic Dhakaiya Biryani and dive into the vibrant street food scene as you wander through the historic alleys of old Dhaka. 

  Next, journey to the tranquil waterways of Sundarbans. This is the largest mangrove forest in the world. No trip to Bangladesh is complete without visiting here. Explore Karamjal's wildlife breeding centres and witness the serene beauty of the region's river dolphins.

  We will also visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bagerhat, home to the impressive 60 Dome Mosque and the shrine of Khan Jahan Ali.

  Heading off the beaten path, we adventure in Sreemangal, where you'll visit tea gardens, the Khasia matriarchal tribal village, and the lush Lawachara National Park. 

  Finally, from one capital to another!

  We conclude our exploration with a visit to Sonargaon, the historic capital of Bengal. A tranquil boat excursion on the Meghna River soaking in the picturesque countryside landscapes is the perfect ending to the perfect trip... 

  Note: We have crafted this tour to give you the best experience in Bangladesh possible. The lack of tourism infrastructure is part of Bangladesh's charm. Some parts of this tour will be exploring very local and rural areas where you will find yourself travelling, living, and eating like a local, too. At some points, there will also be no mobile signal. Prepare yourself for travel like it used to be! 

  See below for highlights, a full itinerary, and additional information about our "Travel Bangladesh, Bengal Bound" Tour.

  Highlights

  • Tea, Forests, & Tribe | Explore tea gardens and Khasia tribal village, a matriarchal community, nestled within the beautiful Lawachora forest. 
  • Sundarbans | Spend 1 night with a local community and enter the largest mangrove forest in the world, exploring by boat. 
  • River Trips | Explore Bangladesh's life and soul; its vast river system. Experience the floating markets and enjoy an overnight river cruise. 

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 9

  1. February 20 | Thursday 

     Arrival in Bangladesh

     • Today is arrival day. The tour itinerary will officially start early the following day, so it's a good chance to get acclimatised to Bangladesh, and to meet your fellow travellers. 
        
     •  We recommend arriving no later than early afternoon/evening to allow for any flight delays. 
        
     • Depending on your arrival time, there will be a chance to explore some sites in Dhaka and get your first taste of some great Bangladesh food. 

     Accommodation | Hotel in Dhaka

     Included Meals | Dinner

  2. February 21 | Friday

     Dhaka City Tour

     International Mother Language Day

     • This day was proposed by Bangladesh in 1999 and in 2000 was adopted as an international holiday. Celebrate this day in its country of creation! See more on this day here. 
        
     • We start at 09:30 AM to kick off the tour with a Dhaka City tour. 
        
     • Dhaka Top Sites | We visit the major tourist spots in Dhaka, including the Parliament House, the Dhaka University area, the Dhakeshwari Temple, and Lalbagh Fort.
        
     • For lunch, you can savour Dhakaiya Biryani, a local delicacy, and continue to explore the wide variety of street foods along the way.
        
     • Star Mosque, Armenian Church, Pink Palace | After lunch, we make our way through the narrow alleys of old Dhaka to discover the Star Mosque, Armenian Church, and Pink Palace.
        
     • Shipbuilding and Breaking Yards | The day's activities will conclude at Shadarghat, the bustling steamer terminal and one of Dhaka's busiest locations. After witnessing the lively port, you will return to your hotel.
        
     • Here, you will have the opportunity to visit shipbuilding and breaking yards, where river vessels are manually constructed and dismantled, and observe this intricate and hazardous process up close.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Dhaka

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch 

  3. February 22 | Saturday

     Otter Fishing and Immersion in Mangrove Forest Community Lifestyle

     Norail District Remote Village, Otter Fishing

     • Norail District | After breakfast, we will travel to a remote village in Norail District which is a 4-hour drive from Dhaka.
        
     • Here, we will explore the lives of fishermen who use otters as their helpers in fishing.
        
     • A unique experience of collaboration between wild animals and humans. This is a century-old culture, now practised by just one/two families.
       
       Note: There is no animal cruelty involved. Rather, the otters are like pets working together with their owners and helping each other to survive.

     Sundarban

     • The largest mangrove forest in the world. 

     Accommodation | Community living beside the Sundarban

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch 

  4. February 23 | Sunday

     UNESCO Heritage, Sundarban, and The Mosque City of Bagherunt

     • Leisurely Walk | This experience will offer you a glimpse into how the community lives in harmony with nature, providing valuable insights into sustainable living practices.
        
     • Local boat to Karamjal | This is the first forest station of Sundarban, the largest mangrove forest. Karamjal also serves as an artificial breeding centre for freshwater crocodiles and endangered turtles.
        
     • Here we might have the chance to use local fishing techniques and see the honey hunting process (subject to finding honeycomb..!)
        
     • On the return journey, we'll stop at a riverbank to observe river dolphins surfacing for air.

     Bagerhat

     • The Mosque City of Bagerhat | This is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is one of the country's most significant archaeological sites.
        
     • During the 3-hour drive through the countryside, you'll explore several mosques, including the famous 15th-century 60 Dome Mosque and the shrine of Khan Jahan Ali.
        
     • These mosques are constructed from handmade bricks with terracotta artwork. 
        
     • In the evening, we drive to Barishal. 

     Accommodation | Hotel in Barishal

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch 

  5. February 24 | Monday

     Experience backwater canal cruise along with floating Markets

     • This morning is an early one, as we are picked to travel to Kuriana.
        
     • Canal Cruise | From here, we board a country motorboat with a boatman for a Back Water Tour (Canal Cruise) through the canals of remote rural villages.
        
     • Floating Vegetable Market | Baukathi, where you'll witness the Floating Vegetable Market. Here, you'll see numerous traditional wooden boats with local village farmers selling their freshly grown vegetables to city vendors.
        
     • We continue the canal cruise through narrow waterways, enjoying the picturesque views of rural Bangladesh.
        
     • School Visit | We also get the chance to visit a local school. 
        
     • Guthia Mosque | Along the way, we make a brief stop at Guthia Mosque to admire its modern architecture in a remote village setting.
        
     • Local Life | In the evening, you will explore local community markets and experience the local life and culture.

     Overnight back to Dhaka

     • Our evening is spent aboard a three-story river vessel for an overnight cruise to Dhaka.

     Accommodation | River Cruise

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  6. February 25 | Tuesday

     Reaching Srimamgal and Life Around Tea Gardens

     • Travel to Sreemangal | A delightful town renowned for its tea gardens and vibrant tribal communities. The travel today is a long one, but worth it! 
        
     • Upon arrival we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before starting our exploration of Sreemangal.
        
     • Monipuri Tribal Community | Our first visit will be to the Monipuri tribal community, where you can witness traditional cloth weaving.
        
     • Tea Workers | Next, we'll explore the tea workers' community, known for its serene tea gardens. Take a stroll through the lush greenery, visit their temple, and sample the famous seven-layer tea, a speciality of the region.
        
     • Rubber Garden | Before concluding our day, we'll visit a nearby rubber garden to learn about cultivation and enjoy a peaceful walk among the fragrant foliage.
        
     • In the evening, we have the unique opportunity to enjoy an ethnic cultural dance program with BBQ (subject to group size). 

     Accommodation | Hotel in Srimangal

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  7. February 26 | Wednesday 

     Exploring Wildlife in Lawachara Forest

     Lawachara National Park

     • This is a pristine tropical rainforest. Here, you'll have the option to explore at your own pace. Choose between a leisurely stroll along a jungle trail to experience the rich biodiversity and peaceful atmosphere, or take an easier walk along an open path.
        
     • Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of the forest's diverse wildlife during your journey.

     Khasia Tribal Village

     • Next, we'll visit a Khasia tribal village nestled deep within the forest, reachable at the end of your trail.
        
     • This matriarchal community sustains itself primarily through betel leaf cultivation. Immerse yourself in their unique lifestyle and cultural traditions.
        
     • Our exploration continues with a visit to local fruit gardens, including a lemon garden where you can taste some of the region's fresh produce.
        
     • Travel back to Dhaka.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Dhaka

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch 

  8. February 27 | Thursday

     Visit Old Capital of Panam City and Sonargon

     • This morning, we delve into the rich historical fabric of Bengal with a visit to its former capital, Sonargaon.

     Sonargaon

     • We start by exploring the Folk Art Museum and the historic Sardarbari.
        
     • Panam City | Wander through the quaint streets of Panam City, marvelling at the ancient Goaldi Mosque, a real architectural wonder. 
        
     • Here, we visit a local school and have lunch with a local family. 

     Meghna River

     • Finally, we finish our trip with a peaceful boat excursion on the Meghna River, where picturesque countryside scenes unfold, adding serenity to your journey.
        
     • Free time to explore and buy last-minute souvenirs. 

     Accommodation | Hotel in Dhaka

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch 

  9. February 28 | Friday 

     Departure

     Airport Transfer / Further Travel

     • Today is time to say goodbye to the group after a breakfast at the hotel. If you need recommendations on further travel throughout Bangladesh or nearby locations, let us know. 
        
     • Airport drop-off is included. Let us know the time of your flight! 

     Accommodation | N/A

     Included Meals | Breakfast 

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room in Bangladesh

    The default rooming option for this tour is shared hotel room or water vessel private cabin. Each hotel room on tour has two separate beds. On the water vessel, one bed might be a bunk bed. If you'd like a room to yourself then you can upgrade for an extra $20 USD per night.

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • 7 nights hotel accommodation in hotel on twin/double sharing basis.
  • 1 night of overnight river cruise on 1st class private cabin.
  • All transport within Bangladesh, transfers by AC Van/Costar including fuel and tolls.
  • Koryo Tours tour leader and English-speaking local guide during the tour.
  • All meals as listed, as well as local dining and street food experiences. 
  • Bottled water throughout the trip.
  • Sundanban forest entry permission.
  • Private country boat. 
  • All entry tickets, passes, taxes, and activities during the trip. 

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Flights to Bangladesh.
  • Bangladesh visa. 
  • Some meals and any drinks apart from water. 
  • Tips for local guides. 

• Notes

  
  
  • Some nationals will be eligible for a Bangladesh visa on arrival. Please check with your embassy what your visa requirements are for Bangladesh. 
  
  
  • Our Sundarbans trip will be on a private vessel, away from the crowds. We cannot guarantee that our boat for the Sundarbans trip will have AC. However, with temperatures being around 20C (68F), we are confident it will be a comfortable trip for you! 
  
  
  • We can pick you up from the airport on Day 1. If you arrive a day early, airport pickup and hotel transfer will cost USD 25 / Car (max 02 people). We can provide a hotel as per your preferences with a supplementary cost.
  
  

Please apply by 31st January, 2025.