A little more
Bangladesh.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Bangladesh: what to know before you go

Bangladesh lies on the world's largest river delta, where the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna flow into the Bay of Bengal. It is a country of rivers, rice fields and very busy cities, with mangrove forests, tea hills and centuries-old mosques and monasteries. Few foreign tourists come, so it suits travellers who are patient, curious and keen to meet people.

Where to go

• Old Dhaka. The historic heart of the capital is a crowded tangle of lanes, bazaars and workshops.
• The Sundarbans. The largest mangrove forest in the world, shared with India and listed by UNESCO.
• Cox's Bazar. A seaside town at the start of one of the longest natural sandy beaches in the world, running for more than 100 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal.
• Sreemangal. The tea capital of the country, surrounded by rolling estates in the north-east.

Best time to visit

The cool, dry season from November to February is the best time to visit, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. March to May is hot and humid.

Staying online in Bangladesh

Mobile coverage with 4G is good in Dhaka, Chittagong and other cities, and along major roads and rail lines. It becomes patchy in rural areas, the hill tracts, on rivers and deep in the Sundarbans, where there is often no signal. Wi-Fi is available in most mid-range hotels and some cafés but can be slow or unreliable. Mobile internet has occasionally been restricted nationally during unrest. Download offline maps, install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.