• Overall

  When was the last time you considered visiting Bangladesh? Probably not recently, if at all.

  But that's exactly what makes Bangladesh so special.

  Bangladesh has much to offer, something you truly appreciate only upon visiting.

  One of those destinations where there's always more to uncover, with every corner presenting a new adventure. It boasts incredible and varied landscapes, from bustling cities to dense jungles, a diverse array of wildlife including the Royal Bengal Tiger, and a rich history and culture evident in its preserved traditions and architecture dating back to the 4^th century BCE.

  And the people? Some of the friendliest you'll ever meet!

  This tour packs as many highlights as possible into a short time frame. If you want to make the most of your Bangladesh visit, this is the tour for you.

  We hit all the must-see spots, including a Dhaka City tour, a floating market, local bazaars, mosques and temples, school visits, lunches with local families, rural countryside excursions, the exploration of Mahasthangar, the oldest archaeological site in Bangladesh, and a trip to Sompur Mahavihara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  Plus, you'll spend two nights exploring the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. (Don't worry, we'll have an armed guard with us just in case we encounter any furry friends)!

  Additionally, you'll experience unique activities like saree weaving, otter fishing with the few families who maintain this tradition, and delving into the rural countryside.

  All this while being guided by and travelling along the lifeblood of Bangladesh. The many rivers and canals that crisscross the country. No trip to Bangladesh is complete without ample time on the waterways!

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

  See below for highlights, a full itinerary, and additional information about our Best of Bangladesh Tour.

  Join this trip up with our tour to Bhutan on our December
  Bhutan Bangladesh Combo Tour - inquire for details! 

  Highlights

  • Unique Culture Activities | Visit a local school, have lunch with local families, and go fishing with the last remaining Otter Fishermen.  
  • Sundarbans | Spend 2 nights exploring this vast jungle, as well as all the wildlife that inhabit it. And maybe even meet the Royal Bengal Tiger (from a safe distance..!)
  • Historical & Archaeological Sites | Including UNESCO World Heritage site of Sompur Mahavihara, the oldest single dome mosque (16 CE), plus Dhaka City Tour. 

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 11

  1. December 7 | Monday 

     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 at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) no later than early afternoon to allow for any flight delays. Transfer from the airport to the hotel is included. 
        
     • Depending on your arrival time, there will be a chance to explore some sites in Dhaka and get your first taste of some great Bangladeshi food.
        
     • There will be a group dinner and a briefing with your Tour Leader this evening at the hotel.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Dhaka

     Included Meals | Dinner

  2. December 8 | Tuesday

     Dhaka City Tour

     • Today we head to all the top tourist attractions of Dhaka, covering Parliament House, Dhaka University area, Dhakweswari Temple, and Lalbagh Fort.
        
     • After lunch, we explore the tiny alleys of old Dhaka to visit Star Mosque, Armenian Church and Pink Palace.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Dhaka

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

  3. December 9 | Wednesday

     Architecture & Drive to Bogra

     Our journey starts in the morning. After breakfast, we will drive to Bogra. On the way, we have a few stops! 

     • Tangail Saree Weaving | On the way, we will explore tangail jamdani Saree weaving in the district of Tangail. A very unique activity! The traditional art of weaving jamdani was declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
        
     • Local Lunch | We will also enjoy a traditional lunch in the community here. 
        
     • Navaratna Temple | On the way to Bogra, we stop at Navaratna Temple of the 17^th century.

     Mahasthangar

     • Afterwards, the trip takes us to Mahasthangar. This is the earliest urban archaeological site so far discovered in Bangladesh.
        
     • Though it seems like it is flat, it is actually 100+ feet above sea level, where the first civilised establishment started in the region back in the 4^th century BCE. The capital, Dhaka, is only 20 feet above sea level. 
        
     • The full area was discovered by digging, and some work is still going on. The area was discovered in the early 18^th century, and the excavation began in the 1930s.
        
     • When you walk through the thick, handmade brick walls of The Citadel, you will feel a nostalgic step back in time.
        
     • From here we will continue to Bogra, where we will spend the night.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Bogra

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

  4. December 10 | Thursday

     A Day of Archaeology | Bogra to Rajshahi

     We'll have 6 hrs of driving today, but many great sites are on the way.

     • After breakfast, you will journey from Bogra to Rajshahi.

     Sompur Mahavihara

     • On the way, you will explore Sompur Mahavihara. This is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country.
        
     • It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and signifies one of the ancient universities that existed in the region of South Asia.
        
     • It was the biggest Buddhist monastery south of the Himalayas, and the vast complex itself, along with terracotta artworks and ruins of the central complex are ancient archaeological marvels in the country.

     Puthia

     • We drive to Puthia to explore the Puthia Rajbari and Temple Complex.
        
     • Architectural Sites | The establishments are of the 18th century, representing the rich heritage of the late Mughal and English colonial era and examples of Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture.
        
     • Hindu Temples | We will also explore several Hindu-crafted temples scattered around the Puthia area.

     Rajshahi

     • Silk City | Then we will continue for 3 more hours to reach Rajshahi.
        
     • Rajshahi is said to be the silk city of Bangladesh, and we will explore the natural silk processing. Another unique activity for the day! 

     Accommodation | Hotel in Rajshahi

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

  5. December 11 | Friday

     Gathia & Otter Fishing

     • After breakfast, we will start our long drive through the Bangladeshi countryside.
        
     • Mausoleum of Lalon Shah | We will stop in Kushita to visit the resting place of Lalon, an icon of Bengali culture, who was a spiritual leader, philosopher, poet, and reformer who rejected all forms of social and economic hierarchy.
        
     • If we are lucky, we can witness a Baul performance here, which is a hypnotic, multi-sensory experience that combines soulful folk music, rhythmic dance, and mystical storytelling. Baul is recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

     Norail District Remote Village, Otter Fishing

     • Norail District | After early lunch, we will travel to a remote village in Norail District, where 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.
        
     • Drive to Khulna, where we will spend the night.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Khulna

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. December 12 | Saturday

     Travel to Khulna/Mongla | Sundarbans

     • We will start our day early in the morning to reach Khulna/Mongla which will be a 3.5 hrs of drive from the hotel. 

     Travel to the Sundarbans

     • Breakfast on Boat | We will start our tour with breakfast on the vessel as it gently starts to move forward towards the Sundarbans.
        
     • Harbaria | After 3 hours of cruising, we will get down in Harbaria. Our first meetup with Sundarbans Forest! 

     Kochikhali (Sundarbans)

     • Start of Jungle Safari | We will reach Kochikhali in the evening where we will have time to explore the forest for some time.
     • Mangrove Forest | In Kochikhali we’ll observe the natural beauty of the Mangrove forest. When the sun starts to set, we will find wild animals walking silently near river beds and coming to shore for drinking water.
        
     • We'll spend the night here on the boat at Kochikhali.

     Accommodation | Tourist Vessel at Sundarban

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. December 13 | Sunday 

     Exploring the Wildlife of the Sundarbans

     • Sunrise Wildlife Spotting | Very early in the morning when the sun rises, we will get into a small country boat and explore the silent beauty of Sundarban in expectation of encountering wildlife.
        
     • They come very close to river banks to drink fresh water. We hope to meet with deer, thousands of birds, wild pigs and many other wild animals.
        
     • Royal Bengal Tiger | If we are lucky enough, we might even come across the famed Royal Bengal Tiger. 

     Kotka Area

     • Jamtora Beach | The day will pass doing jungle trekking around the Jamtora Beach area, visiting the watch tower, and feeding deer at the Kotka area.
        
     • We stay the night on the boat at Kokta, and depending on the tide, we will move upstream.

     Accommodation | Tourist Vessel at Sundarban

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. December 14 | Monday

     Return from the Sundarbans

     We will cruise back to the locality depending on tide times.

     Danga Maari Canal, River Dolphins

     • On the way back, we may stop at Danga Maari Canal.
        
     • River Dolphins | This is a place where we'll hopefully find river dolphins. If we are lucky enough, we may find one or two popping up for fresh air.

     Mosque City of Bagerhat

     • After disembarking from our floating home for 2 nights, we will drive to the Mosque City of Bagerhat, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

     • Sixty Dome Mosque | We will explore this massive 15th-century UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Sultanate-era monument in Bangladesh. Despite its name, there are 77 domes over the main hall and exactly 60 stone pillars. Many claim that this is "one of the most impressive Muslim monuments in the whole of South Asia."

     • Afterwards, we will drive to Barishal for an overnight stay.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Barishal

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

  9. December 15 | Tuesday

     Remote Rural Bangladesh

     This day starts before dawn.

     • Kuriana | Our first stop is “Kuriana”, a one-hour drive away. 
        
     • Canal Cruise | Reaching there, we will be embarking on a country motorboat with a boatman for a Backwater Tour (Canal Cruise) on the canals among remote rural villages.
        
     • Floating Vegetable Market | Within a short time, we will reach a point named “Baukathi”, where we will be explore the “Floating Vegetable Market”.
        
     • On this floating market, we'll see many traditional, handheld wooden boats with local village farmers selling their fresh-grown vegetables to the city vegetable vendors.
        
     • After this, it's back to the water canal cruising again.
        
     • Timber Market | Here, we witness the journey of massive logs of mahogany, rain tree, and chambal being traded directly on the water on iconic floating rafts, and their journey to the riverside sawmills. This centennial tradition has sustained the local community since 1918.
        
     • Brick Factory | The seasonal industry of transforming river silt into millions of crimson blocks creates a striking industrial landscape of towering chimneys of Bangladeshi brick kilns. You will be introduced to every step of brickmaking, a skill of 2,500 years, and the technology used today dates back 150 years.
        
     • Rural Bangladesh | Cruise among narrow canals and watch the panoramic views of a real rural Bangladesh.
        
     • You will have free time in the afternoon in Barishal, where you can either rest in the hotel or explore this major city on the banks of the Kirtankhola River.
        
     • River Cruise to Dhaka | In the evening, we will ride on a river cruise to have a relaxed overnight journey to Dhaka in 1^st class cabins.

     Note: Today, we experience the raw travel style of Bangladesh as we head into the rural countryside. We will have 4 hrs in an engine boat and only basic restrooms will be available. 

     Accommodation | River Cruise 1^st Class Cabin

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. December 16 | Wednesday

      Return to Dhaka

      December 16 is Victory Day in Bangladesh, celebrating the nation's independence from Pakistan in 1971.

      Our boat will reach Dhaka early in the morning. After breakfast, we will start our expedition for the second-to-last day.

      Sonagaon

      • We drive to Sonagaon (a 1.5-hour drive) to explore the first capital area of Bengal.
         
      • Local School Visit | We will visit a local school and experience how locals celebrate Victory Day.
         
      • Village Tour | We will get into auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuk) and explore village life and the local crafts here.
         
      • Lunch with Local Family | For lunch, we will enjoy food with a local family. 
         
      • Bengal Heritage | In the afternoon, you will meet the rich and true heritage of Bengal by stepping into renovated buildings like Sardarbari. There is also the folk museum, and we can see exquisite terracotta decorations and wood carving collections in the architecture of the old community buildings of rich merchants.
         
      • Farewell Dinner | We will enjoy our last dinner together at the hotel to reminisce over our Bangla adventures, and we will say our goodbyes here.

      Accommodation | Hotel in Dhaka

      Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

  11. December 17 | Thursday 

      Departure

      Airport Transfer / Further Travel

      • If you need recommendations on further travel throughout Bangladesh or nearby locations, let us know. 
         
      • Airport drop-off at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) is included. Let us know the time of your flight! 

      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 $30 USD per night.

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • 7 nights hotel accommodation in 4* hotels on twin/double sharing basis
  • 2 nights’ accommodation in a Private Sundarban Non-AC Vessel
  • 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
  • Bottled water throughout the trip
  • Sundanban forest entry permission
  • Forest guard gunman for safety inside the Sundarbans
  • All entry tickets, passes, taxes, and activities during the trip

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Flights to/from Bangladesh
  • Bangladesh visa
  • 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 15th November, 2026.