Bangladesh is a highly underrated destination in Asia to visit. Sharing one of the longest land borders in the world with India, Bangladesh is a hidden gem next door that is bursting with natural beauty, diverse culture, and hospitality. But is Bangladesh safe?
As of late 2022, the U.S. Department of State listed Bangladesh on a level 2 out of 4 travel advisory, indicating that travelers who visit there should, as in all destinations, be alert and take precautions. For context, this is the same caution rating the U.S. Department of State gives to travelers visiting nearby India and the popular trekking destination of Nepal. The government site states that the risk of crime impacting foreigners traveling to Bangladesh is low, but in crowded areas, visitors should be careful with their belongings because pickpocketing can occur.
Given its status as a relatively safe destination for experienced and responsible travelers, it’s no surprise that interest in Bangladesh is growing. Here’s why travelers should plan a visit to Bangladesh and discover its many attractions and delicious foods before it becomes more popular among the average tourist.
Safety First: Travelers should always check if there is a government travel advisory on their destination (regardless of where in the world they are going) prior to departure from their home country.
10 Bangladesh Has Untouched Nature
Chittagong, Bangladesh
Nature lovers will appreciate how much diverse, natural beauty Bangladesh has to offer. It boasts lush green tropical rainforests, hundreds of winding rivers, the Sundarbans, and tea gardens.
While Dhaka, the country’s capital, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, the sweeping landscapes of the country offer a nice contrast.
9 Tigers Live In Bangladesh’s Jungles
A tiger in its natural habitat
Wildlife photographers and biology enthusiasts may want to add Bangladesh to their bucket lists because of the population of more than 100 Bengal tigers that live there.
These majestic creatures can be tracked and viewed at a respectful distance on tiger safaris around the country.
Always book with a responsible, eco-friendly travel provider who respects wildlife and leaves no trace.
8 There Are Six Seasons
Sunset at Nijhum Dwip Beach
There are few places on earth where travelers can experience six seasons in a year, but Bangladesh is one of them. The six seasons are:
- Summer (Grisma ritu)
- Rainy (Barsa ritu)
- Autumn (Sarat ritu)
- Late Autumn (Hemanta ritu)
- Winter (Shitt ritu)
- Spring (Basant ritu)
Some of the seasons may last more than two months while others are shorter.
7 Bangladesh Is Home To The World’s Longest Beach
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Cox’s Bazar Beach is the longest, uninterrupted, natural sea beach in the world, and it’s located near Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The beach has been opened and closed to the public intermittently over the past three years due to concerns about public health safety during the pandemic.
- Travelers should check its status before visiting Bangladesh, so they can build it into their trip itinerary if it’s open at that time.
6 The People Are Extremely Welcoming
Walking in Dhaka, Bangladesh
While destinations with too many tourists tend to have local residents who are tired of visitors, places that rarely receive visitors often welcome travelers with open arms. Bangladesh is one of these places. In 2019, Bangladesh welcomed just 320,000 international visitors. In contrast, India welcomed approximately 18 million international visitors that same year.
The lack of tourism in Bangladesh means that people who do visit are likely to be met with curiosity and enthusiasm on the part of local residents. Don’t be surprised when residents welcome visitors into their homes for a meal or cup of chai.
5 Dhaka’s Old Town Is Beautiful
View of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Even just passing through Dhaka is reason enough to visit Bangladesh. The bustling capital city retains its history in Old Dhaka. The historic center is on the Buriganga River. The original part of the city is a jumping-off point for exploring must-see attractions like Dhakeswari National Temple, Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque, and Ahsan Manzil Museum.
4 Most Travelers Can Obtain A Visa On Arrival
A US Passport
Another great reason to visit Bangladesh is the convenient option to obtain a visa on arrival when arriving from the United States. However, travelers should note that the visa on arrival is only valid for trips of 15-30 days. Anyone planning to stay in Bangladesh for longer than that period should obtain their visa online before departure.
3 It’s Not Packed With Tourists (Yet)
Bandarban, Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s Tourism Board is actively working to get more travelers to visit the country, with a target goal of seeing 10 million tourists by the year 2040.
An influx of tourism will be exceptional for the country’s economy.
For travelers who like to journey off the beaten path, now is the time to book that trip to Bangladesh, before it becomes the next popular travel destination in South Asia.
2 There Are 17 National Parks In Bangladesh
Lawachara National Park
Bangladesh values its wildlife and nature, which is why there are 17 National Parks to explore in the country. Some of the most popular ones to visit are:
- Lawachara National Park
- Bhawal National Park, Gazipur
- Khadimnagar National Park
- Ramsagar National Park
- Satchari National Park
- Himchari National Park
1 It’s Home To The World’s Largest Mangrove Forest
Mangrove forest in Bangladesh
The largest mangrove forest in the world is located in Bangladesh’s Sundarbans Reserve Forest (SRF). The SRF is in the southwest part of the country between the Baleshwari River and the Hariabhanga River.
- The mangrove forest that ranks as the world’s largest contiguous forest is near the Bay of Bengal.
The government recently banned plastics in this mangrove forest because pollution was threatening its well-being. The mangroves play an important role in the ecosystem since they protect coastlines from erosion and actively filter pollutants to improve water quality.
In addition to this, the mangroves also act as a nursery for marine animals.