Bangladesh travel guide

In the mid 15th century Khan Jahan Ali, a Turkish Muslim saint, arrived to where Bagerhat lies today. He apparently liked the place so much that he founded a beautiful town with artificial ponds, palaces and impressive mosques otherwise unknown to the area. According to inscriptions on his tomb, he died in 1459 leaving behind a thriving Islamic culture along with some of the finest architecture in Bangladesh, with some of the mosques still standing today. His mausoleum is still considered a pilgrimage site where people come to pray and pay respect. In the pond in front of the shrine there are crocodiles which are believed to give good luck if touched (we kid you not).

It is a bit ironic that the longest beach in the world lies in muslim country where the ladies' idea of a beach outfit is a burqa, people swim fully dressed and certainly nobody sun bathes. This the-longest-beach-in-the-world beach does not just have one single name, instead every single stretch has a name of its own. The most famous parts are Laboni, also known as Cox's Bazar beach, Himchari, and Inani. The last one being the most charming of them all with local fishermen and boats looking like toy pirate ships. The beach is actually only the longest natural beach in the world, getting beaten badly by Cassino beach in Brazil at 240km long, but for some reason beyond us, Cassino beach does not officially count as one unbroken natural beach.

One of the reasons to come to Bangladesh in the first place, and probably the reason why you want to leave again, is the amazing people. They are friendly, helpful, curious and, well, everywhere. Being one of the most congested countries in the world, it can be hard to find a quiet corner. Wherever you go someone will come up to you and ask for "the name of your country" and maybe venture into something about your marital status and profession. It is all very sweet and innocent in the beginning, but after week or two it can turn brain numbing. Either you will love them, or simply turn mental.

The town of Rangamati lies at the bank of the Kaptai lake and is among the most charming towns in the whole of Bangladesh. It spreads out over several bridge-connected hilly islands in the man-made lake, which is a result of the Kaptai dam. The beauty of the place is not just restricted to the nice lake views, but span to the whole countryside around the lake. Here you can find indigenous tribe villages, waterfalls and plenty of lush scenery, that make Bangladeshis believe that they live in the most beautiful country on the globe. Keep in mind that along with Cox's Bazar, Rangamati is a favorite with local tourists who adore boat trips on the lake.

Cycle rickshaws, or just rickshaws as they are called here in Bangladesh, look like a thing from the colonial past. Colorfully decorated with a sweaty rickshaw wallah on the pedals in front, they will zigzag through insanely dense traffic while dodging smashed up buses and other rickshaws. Some of the older rickshaws are down right dangerous with sharp metal pieces sticking out everywhere and they are all surprisingly uncomfortable to sit in, but they are just too darn charming not to ride. While man-powered rickshaws are getting outfaced in the rest of the world, they are going strong in Bangladesh. In Old Dhaka, the narrow lanes are so jam-packed with rickshaws, caring both people and goods, that walking is no longer physically possible. There is only one thing to do - jump on one and join the madness.

A trip with one of these old paddle-wheels ferries down a river is a must for any traveller to Bangladesh. It is not luxurious, though the first class cabins are sure nicer than sleeping on the iron deck, but a common way of travel for Bangladeshis - and a great opportunity to avoid the death-seeking buses. Leaving Dhaka on a Rocket will send you paddle down the Buriganga river with great views to the slum along the shores and wrecks of old ships. A big contrast to the view when you wake up somewhere in the countryside, where you will be greeted by a wide murky river lined with big green trees. Morning tea is of course best enjoyed on the outer deck.