Travel to Bangladesh — everything you need to know
When to go to Bangladesh?
- November–February — Ideal : Dry and cool season, perfect conditions for visiting the Sundarbans and historical sites.
- March–May — Acceptable : Rising heat before the monsoon, fewer tourists, some roads still passable.
- June–October — Monsoon : Intense monsoon with frequent flooding, difficult travel but spectacular lush landscapes.
Weather in Bangladesh
Check the weather city by city, starting with Dhaka.
- Dhaka: daytime highs from 25 to 34 °C depending on the season, 166 mm of rain per month on average.
- Cox's Bazar: daytime highs from 25 to 33 °C depending on the season, 312 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is one of South Asia's most underrated destinations, a country of rivers, deltas and tropical forests of exceptional ecological richness. From the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and last refuge of the Bengal tiger, to the longest natural beach on the planet at Cox's Bazar, the country offers unique experiences. Its Mughal architecture in Dhaka and tea gardens in Sylhet complete a strikingly diverse picture.
Sundarbans
The Sundarbans form the world's largest mangrove forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site shared between Bangladesh and India. This swamp forest, home to the famous Bengal tiger, Ganges river dolphins and saltwater crocodiles, stretches over more than 10,000 km². Boat trips through the winding channels between the mangroves offer total immersion in this unique and unspoiled ecosystem.
Highlights : Kotka — central area for wildlife watching, Hiron Point — lighthouse and panoramic view over the mangrove, Dublar Char — island of spotted deer and fishermen, Karamjal — freshwater crocodile breeding centre.
Cox's Bazar
Cox's Bazar boasts the world's longest unbroken natural sandy beach, stretching 120 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal. Despite recent tourist development, the beach remains relatively unspoiled and offers a spectacular setting with powerful waves and blazing sunsets. Maheshkhali Island and the nearby fishing villages add an authentic cultural dimension to the visit.
Highlights : Laboni Beach — lively heart of the seaside resort, Inani Beach — coral cliffs and turquoise waters, Himchhari — waterfalls and coastal national park, Maheshkhali Island — Buddhist temple and salt marshes.
Dhaka
Dhaka is one of the densest megacities in the world, a city that blends Mughal architecture, colourful markets and chaotic modernity in a unique atmosphere. Old Dhaka concentrates architectural gems such as Lalbagh Mosque and Ahsan Manzil Palace, built under the Mughals and the nawabs of Bengal. Navigating by rickshaw through the crowded lanes of Sadarghat, on the banks of the Buriganga river, remains an intense and memorable human experience.
Highlights : Lalbagh Fort — unfinished 17th-century Mughal citadel, Ahsan Manzil Palace — pink riverside museum, Sadarghat — South Asia's largest river terminal, Shankhari Bazar market — Hindu quarter of narrow lanes.
Sylhet and tea gardens
The Sylhet region, in northeastern Bangladesh, is covered with green hills carpeted in tea plantations stretching as far as the eye can see through an enchanting morning mist. Srimangal, nicknamed Bangladesh's "tea capital", offers plantation tours and tastings of the famous seven-layer tea, a local specialty served in glasses where different tea densities form distinct coloured strata. The nearby nature reserves are home to gibbons and rare birds.
Highlights : Srimangal — tea plantation tours and tea museum, Lawachara Reserve — rainforest and agile gibbons, Tanguar Haor — exceptional Ramsar-listed wetland.
Travel budget for Bangladesh
Bangladesh is one of the cheapest destinations in Asia. Prices are extremely low for transport, local food and simple accommodation, even in the capital.
- Backpacker : 20–35 €/j — Simple guesthouse, local meals, public transport, independent sightseeing.
- Comfort : 50–80 €/j — Comfortable hotel, private guides, organised tours and restaurants.
Practical tips for travelling to Bangladesh
- Flight from Paris : 10–14h with 1–2 layovers (Doha, Dubai or Delhi)
- Visa : Online visa (e-Visa) required. Easy to obtain for French citizens, around 50 USD
- Currency : Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). Cash essential; ATMs available in major cities
- Language : Bengali. English understood in hotels and with guides. Rarely spoken in rural areas
- Electricity : Type C/D/G (220V) — universal adapter recommended
- Health : Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines recommended. Antimalarial prophylaxis for the Sundarbans and rural areas
- Dress code : Majority Muslim country. Modest dress required at religious sites, shoulders and knees covered
- Natural disasters : Cyclones possible from April to November. Frequent flooding during monsoon. Check weather alerts
Compare Bangladesh with other destinations