Last checked: November 2026
Three days works for Dhaka plus a flight to Cox’s Bazar. Five days adds the Sundarbans or a second region, seven days fits Dhaka, tea country and the beach, and ten days lets you cover the south-west too. Travel is slow, so plan fewer stops than the map suggests and use flights for long legs.
Safety note: none of these plans include the Chittagong Hill Tracts or the refugee camp areas near Cox’s Bazar. Read the US advisory and the UK travel advice before you plan, and avoid demonstrations and political gatherings.
Realistic Travel Times
| Route | Typical time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dhaka airport to city centre | 30 minutes to 1.5 hours or more | Depends heavily on traffic |
| Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar by air | About 1 hour | Several airlines fly daily |
| Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar by train | About 8 hours or more | Cox’s Bazar Express and Parjatak Express |
| Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar by bus | 8 to 10 hours | Daytime and overnight services |
| Dhaka to Chattogram by train | 5 to 6 hours | According to Bangladesh Railway |
| Dhaka to Sylhet by train | About 6 to 7 hours | Passes through the tea country |
| Khulna to Mongla | About 2 hours | Gateway for Sundarbans boats |
These are typical times from published schedules and local guides. Delays of 30 to 90 minutes are common on trains, according to a published rail guide, so don’t schedule tight connections. Book flights and trains through official channels or trusted operators, and check current timetables.
3-Day Itinerary: Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar
Day 1: Old Dhaka
- Visit Lalbagh Fort and Ahsan Manzil.
- Walk or take a short rickshaw ride to the Sadarghat river port.
- Try kacchi biryani in Old Dhaka.
Day 2: Fly to Cox’s Bazar
- Take a morning flight, about an hour.
- Spend the afternoon on the beach and watch the sunset.
Day 3: Himchari and Return
- Visit Himchari National Park or the beach areas near town.
- Fly back to Dhaka in the afternoon.
5-Day Itinerary: Dhaka and the Sundarbans
- Days 1 to 2: Dhaka, as above, with the National Parliament building if open.
- Day 3: travel to Khulna by road or flight via Jashore, and meet your tour operator.
- Day 4: boat trip into the Sundarbans with a Forest Department permit and an armed guard.
- Day 5: return to Khulna and travel back to Dhaka.
A multi-day boat tour sees more than a day trip. The Forest Department’s Sundarbans tourism portal lists registered services.
7-Day Itinerary: Dhaka, Tea Country and the Beach
- Days 1 to 2: Dhaka.
- Days 3 to 4: Sreemangal or Sylhet by train or flight. Walk through tea gardens, and try seven-layer tea.
- Days 5 to 7: fly to Cox’s Bazar via Dhaka, then spend two nights on the beach and fly back.
10-Day Itinerary: South-West, North-East and Coast
- Days 1 to 2: Dhaka.
- Days 3 to 5: Khulna, Bagerhat and the Sundarbans.
- Days 6 to 7: Sreemangal and Sylhet.
- Days 8 to 10: Cox’s Bazar and a flight home from Dhaka.
If you prefer fewer transfers, drop one region. Ten days is realistic only if you fly between areas.
Getting Around
- Domestic flights: Biman, US-Bangla, Novoair and Air Astra serve routes between Dhaka and cities such as Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet and Jashore.
- Trains: cheaper and scenic, but often late and busy.
- Metro in Dhaka: MRT Line 6 runs between Uttara and Motijheel and avoids traffic on that corridor.
- Road: the UK government says road travel is dangerous, particularly after dark. Avoid night driving and use a licensed driver.
For airport and booking details, see our guide to flights to Bangladesh. If you need a base in each region, see where to stay in Bangladesh.
Decision Guide
- Choose 3 days if you want Dhaka and the beach with minimal travel.
- Choose 5 days if the Sundarbans is the priority.
- Choose 7 or 10 days if you want several regions and can fly between them.
Common Mistakes
- Trying to cover the Sundarbans, Sylhet and Cox’s Bazar in five days.
- Choosing overnight buses without checking comfort and safety.
- Not leaving a buffer day before an international flight.
Quick Checklist
- Print your visa approval and carry your passport.
- Book permits and tours through licensed operators.
- Download offline maps and keep taka in small notes.
Bangladesh Itinerary FAQs
How many days do you need in Bangladesh?
Three days covers Dhaka and one extra stop. Five to seven days is better for the Sundarbans or tea country. Ten days works if you fly between regions.
Can I visit the Sundarbans in one day?
A day trip reaches only the edges. A multi-day boat tour sees more of the forest and wildlife.
Should I take the train or fly to Cox’s Bazar?
Flying takes about an hour. The train takes around eight hours or more but is cheaper and scenic. Choose by your time and budget.
Is it safe to travel at night?
The UK government says road travel is dangerous, especially after dark. Plan daytime travel where possible.
For train, bus and domestic flight details on the routes above, see our getting around Bangladesh guide.