Day 1: Dhaka Arrival; Airport Pick-up
Thanks for choosing our 10 days Bangladesh tour package! Upon your landing today, your tour guide and driver will pick you up from the Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and then drive you for around 40 minutes to the hotel we have carefully selected for you. ★ Privilege of Our Guests:You will have the same English-speaking guide throughout the entire trip in Bangladesh and may change driver depending on the area. Whether traveling by train or overnight boat, the guide is there escorting you. Dhaka Streets Bengali Women in Temple
►Tips for Travelling in Bangladesh: 1. Prepare to Meet the Crowd: You are now in one of the most populous - and vibrant - countries in the world. Dhaka, the capital, has about 24 million people on its some 360-square-km land (the bustling New York has 19 million and its area is 778 square km). Apply this situation in an impoverished country like Bangladesh, and you won’t wonder why there are sights of foul waste everywhere out on the streets and why traffic gridlock and pickpocketing seem to happen all the time. If you arrive early today and can’t wait to hang around, you will need to prepare for it up front, at least mentally. 2. Ride a Rickshaw: Don’t hesitate to let the UNESCO-honored cycle rickshaw take you for a little tour to experience local culture. These rickshaws are handling most of daily commuting for Dhaka people, as when traffic jam happens, their smaller size can help them exploit every opportunity, to swerve into gaps and weave through narrow alleys, to get themselves out of the mess. Convenient, cheap (about BDT 20/per km), they are so popular that they’ve made Dhaka known as the “Rickshaw Capital of the World”. 3. Safety: For anyone wondering whether it’s safe to travel Bangladesh, the simple answer is generally yes. But you have to admit that, as one of the poorest countries in the world, Bangladesh has high rates of street crimes. If you go alone, there is a great chance you may encounter pickpockets or even robbery, so you won’t want to put your valuables in plain sight. It’s highly suggested that you join a guided tour - truly, a local guide can make things safer and easier. Remember that, while exploring around in your free time, avoid remote streets and don’t hang out at night. 4. Pack Smart: Bangladesh is characterized by subtropical monsoon climate, so the temperature and humidity is high all year round. Thin & breathable clothes, sunscreen, insect repellant, and medicine for fever and diarrhea are all must-takes. For the water pollution due to thriving bacteria and deficient water infrastructure, you can also bring a filter water bottle. 5. Currency and Tipping: The official exchange rate of Bangladeshi taka to US dollars fluctuates around 1 BDT = 0.0091 USD/1 USD = 109 BDT. For small amount of currency, exchange it at a dedicated counter in the airport; for large amount, it’d be wise to consult your guide who will recommend some money exchange shops in the downtown. You will need to exchange for some small bills to tip - it’s a cultural standard to tip 10%-15% of the total bill. 6. It’s impolite to use left hands in an overall Islamic country. For religious reasons, left hands are considered unclean. Here, perhaps it’s a way to show respect by getting used to using your right hand to eat, receive things, and shake hands.
Accommodation: Sky City Hotel Dhaka (4 stars) / Hotel Grand Palace (4 stars)
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Day 2: Dhaka City Tour; Board the Cruise to Barisal
In the morning, the guide will take you to Kawranbazar Vegetable Market. As Dhaka’s one of the largest wholesale marketplaces, the market is feeding almost all corners of the city. Fruits, vegetables, fish among other meat, garments… here you can find almost all daily necessities. As you are guided through, you will hear bargaining voices over the bell ringing of cargo trikes, see a riot of colors on varied stalls, and from these feel the energy and soul of Bengali life. There will be locals friendly approaching you - if you don’t mind, perhaps it’s your chance to mingle in and take some pictures with them. Then visit the National Assembly (Parliament Building) from the outside and take photos of its alien monolithic architectural design. Next, head to Dhaka University for its famous Curzon Hall, which houses the Faculty of Science and was where Bengalis fought to make Bengali their official language. Lively River Port Vegetable Market
During lunch, it’s likely you will try the national dish Hilsa Curry - Hilsa is the national fish of Bangladesh. Fish and rice are staple foods of Bangladesh. Locals eat fish bodies as well as heads and eggs, which sometimes alone are cooked as a dish. As for Hilsa Curry, it’s made by marinating fish pieces in turmeric and salt, before being fired, cooked with water with more seasonings added, and served with mustard oil and rice. After lunch, a stroll around the tranquil Lalbagn Fort, a half-completed palace abandoned on the death of a prince’s fiancée, follows. Other attractions we plan to visit today include Dhakeswari Temple, Star Mosque, Armenian Church, as well as Ahsan Manzil, a literally pink palace where to learn Bangladesh’s colonial past. Local life and old Dhaka streets also offer interesting moments to capture. As the sun begins to set, we are going to Sadarghat River Port, Dhaka’s one of the busiest hubs for people and goods alike to be transported. If interested, go on a short boat ride to view the spectacular riverfront scenes from afar. At about 08:30 pm, we will board a modern ship for Barisal from the port. Spend the night on the ship. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Modern Ship - 1st Class A/C Twin Cabin
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Day 3: Visits in Barisal & Bagerhat; Drive to Mongla
Get up early this morning, and leave the ship in Barisal to start a Backwater and Floating Market cruise. Floating market is one thing that sets Bangladesh apart, and Barisal, “the land of rivers”, is where to experience its essence. Most people here trade guava and vegetables in their boats for livelihood. You will be escorted to cruise on a river, pass palm trees and lush vegetation lining the banks, dive deep into the farmers’ market on water, and perhaps mingle with locals and try some cheap fresh guavas. It’s likely that you will even get a fruit or two as gift from sellers! If there is one thing that you may complain about, it’d be the water quality of the river - truly, it may not be refreshingly green, as hyped about in some tourist ads. After lunch, drive to Bagerhat for a visit to Sixty Dome Mosque, Bangladesh’s largest mosque dating back 500 years, protected by UNESCO as a heritage site. You will see a traditional Bengali architecture, with Islamic motifs designed onto terracotta tiles as fascinating as its profound cultural implications. Centuries have past, but it’s still a popular place of Islamic pilgrimage. Then we will visit the Shrine of Khan Jahan Ali, where was buried the noble Muslim who built the Sixty Dome Mosque and was venerated for his service of Islam, and its nearby Nine Dome Mosque. After that, we will drive you to Mongla. Overnight on the Sundarbans reserved boat.
► About the Sundarbans Boats:Eco-friendly without noise from air-conditioner, easy to navigate, the compact Sundarbans boats with a capacity of no more than 20 guests are best for wildlife spotting in the Sundarbans. As we are in the subtropical area, the climate is pleasant from November to February. Although it can be sweltering hot from March to June, it’s cool at night since boats are made of steel or aluminum. Also, there is a solar-powered fan at every room to address heat. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sundarbans Reserved Boat
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Day 4: Boat Trip from Mongla to Sundarbans National Park
This morning, take the boat from Port of Mongla to the Sundarbans National Park, a World Heritage Site to find the world’s largest mangrove forest, swimming Royal Bengal Tigers existing nowhere else, endangered Gangetic dolphins, and other various types of wildlife. On the way, stop at the Chadpai Forest Office to get necessary forest entry permits and pick up an armed forest guard to ensure our safety throughout the entire Sundarbans trip. We will get off the boat at the Harbaria Eco-Center, one of the entrances to the Sundarbans, and walk about 30 minutes to the wildlife gathering area to view them. It’s important to note that, it may need some luck to spot the tigers, as they are elusive and might only show up when hunting. But don’t discouraged - there are also lesser cats like fishing cats to say hello to! Afterwards, go back to and have lunch on the boat. The whole afternoon will see us safariing through the beautiful spots of Kochikhali. In the evening, our boat will dock near the Kochikhali Forest Office. If we still have time before sunset, we will hop on a small boat to look for endemic wildlife along the canals. Overnight on the boat. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sundarbans Reserved Boat
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Day 5: Visit Kotka Wildlife Sanctuary
After a simple breakfast in the morning, we will take a small boat traveling through a creek, and then hike into the deep forest to feel the mysterious vibe of the whispering nature. Later, return to our boat and head for today's main destination: Kotka. We will arrive at Kotka in about 2 hours. After getting off the boat, go to Jamtola Sea Beach for a tranquil stroll and enjoy the beautiful Bay of Bengal. After lunch, the guide will accompany you to visit the Kotka Wildlife Sanctuary. Have a jungle walk while spotting monkeys, deer, as well as threatened species of birds. If deer is around, you’re likely to glimpse hunting tigers! There is also a watchtower for you to have a panoramic view of the area. Tonight, the boat will dock at the middle point of the Sundarbans. Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner on the boat. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sundarbans Reserved Boat
Roaming Deer Bengal Tiger
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Day 6: Local Fishing Village Tour; Drive to Khulna
As for today’s sightseeing trip, the guide will accompany you on a small boat to visit a local Fishing Village where you can chat with the fishermen and learn about their way of life with the assistance of the guide. Then, return to the boat and continue forward, until we dock at Port of Mongla. Continue with a 1.5-hour drive to the hotel in Khulna and check in. Have a good rest, as you will set off early for your tomorrow’s trip in the morning. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: City Inn Khulna (3 stars) / Tiger Garden International Hotel (3 Stars)
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Day 7: Transfer to Rajshahi by Train; Visit Puthia Temple City
Set off with your guide at about 6:30 am by train to Rajshahi and arrive there in 6 hours. Speaking of taking a train in Bangladesh, will you picture the crazy scene from online photos or videos where people cram onto the train’s roof top or hang on door handles just for a free ride? In fact, this “epic” phenomenon only happens in Islamic gathering Bishwa Ijtema or Eid festivals. Don’t worry about being involved - policies have been put in place to manage this, so the train surfing now only happens sporadically in daily life. With us, you will get on a first-class train, with electric fans installed overhead and enough space for you to stretch. Just mingle in, and appreciate views outside the window. Upon arrival in Rajshahi, check into the hotel and have a short break. We will then explore the Puthia Temple City. Puthia owns the largest amount of Hindu temples in Bangladesh, the history of which dates to the 16th century, when the country still belonged to the Mughal Empire. Shiva Temple, which you will spot on entering the complex, is the grandest of its kind in Bangladesh. You will admire the breathtaking terracotta art carved on temple walls, as well as listen to your guide explaining the Hindu mythologies it depicts. Temples here lack funds to be repaired and improved, so your visit would be thanked for supporting the cause. After the visit, drive to Padma River Bank to enjoy a charming sunset. Stay overnight in Rajshahi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Royal Raj Rajshahi (4 stars) / Hotel X (4 stars)
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Day 8: Visit Somapura Mahavira; Drive to Bogra to Visit Ancient City of Mahasangarh
Today, we will first drive to Paharpur. On the way, visit the Kushumba Mosque, a black basalt legacy of the medieval period. Upon arrival, visit the ruins of the Paharpur Buddhist Bihar. Also known as the Somapura Mahavira, or “the Great Monastery”, it witnessed the rise of Mahayana Buddhism in Bangladesh in the 7th century. Its UNESCO-praised artistic appearance will also impress you, which seems to be built with building blocks harmoniously inserted into each other, with moss cover revealing its age. After lunch, drive to Bogra to visit the ancient city ruins of Mahasangarh & its Gokul Medh. Mahasangarh, capital of the lost-in-history Pundra Kingdom, is Bangladesh’s earliest discovered archeological site dating from 4th century BC. Although before you is a boundless expanse of green cropland, you can still spot historical sites here and there unfolding the kingdom’s stories. One of them is Gokul Medh. This waffle-like dune is actually the base of a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. There are also some other important but hard-to-noticepoints of interest in this tranquil space, like Jiyat Kunda (the well of life) and Khodar Pathar Bhita (Place of God's Stone),which your knowledgeable guide will take you to explore. Do you know that, beforethe 13 thcentury Bangladesh was still a Buddhist country, and it’snot until then that it chose to believe in Islam instead? Later into the afternoon, enjoy an amazing sunset from Vasu Vihara, another Buddhist site. After the day’s sightseeing, check in at the best hotel in Bogra. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Momo Inn Park & Resort Bogra (5 stars)
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Day 9: Transfer to Sirajganj; Jamuna River Cruise Tour; Transfer back to Dhaka
Today we are going to Sirajganj to visit Navaratna Temple. Locally called Dolmoncho, it dates from the 18th century and is the largest of its kind - Navaratna means “nine-spired” - in Bangladesh. What’s unique about this temple is that its interior is of a mediaeval style. After the visit, head for the Jamuna River and go on a river cruise for about 1.5 hours. After lunch, drive towards Dhaka. Check into the hotel near the airport. The reason why we selected a hotel near the airport is that you won’t have to deal with traffic jams, which Dhaka is famous for, on your way to the airport tomorrow. Of course, if you have much free time tomorrow and still want to know more about Dhaka, we can change the hotel to one located in downtown at your request. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Vistana Dhaka (4 stars) - Near Airport
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Day 10: Dhaka Departure; Airport See-off
Today, your driver will meet you at the appointed time and send you to Dhaka International Airport for you to catch your flight home. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you! ► Recommended Attractions for Your Free Time: If you have enough time to explore more of Dhaka, we recommend you to tour the following sites along a south-to-north route, the total length of which is about 5.7 kilometers. - Dhaka Christian Cemetery (18 km from airport). The age-old Columbo Sahib’s Tomb in the cemetery is a hidden gem, where wild vining plants have blended themselves into the three-story tower. The scene is photogenically fantastic. - Shadeed Minar. It is the memorial built for heroes that died in Bengali Language Movement in 1952. - Bangladesh National Museum & National Art Gallery. Rural Bengal Urban Street View
By far you must’ve seen how crowded Dhaka is. If you do decide to go as far as those spots, you will have to make a foolproof schedule and leave enough time to navigate seas of vehicles to catch your flight. The airport’s official guideline also recommends you to arrive at the airport 4 hours prior to departure - indeed, the departure entry area is chaotic and you will spend a lot of time going though check-in procedures. Meals: Breakfast
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