Bangladesh lies in South Asia on the world’s largest river delta, where the Ganges (Padma), Brahmaputra (Jamuna) and Meghna rivers flow into the Bay of Bengal. This map of Bangladesh and travel guide shows the country’s location, its eight divisions and the places international travelers visit most, so you can plan your route with confidence.
Bangladesh at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | People’s Republic of Bangladesh |
| Capital | Dhaka |
| Area | About 148,460 km² (57,320 sq mi) |
| Population | About 169.8 million (2022 census), one of the most densely populated countries in the world |
| Borders | India to the west, north and east; Myanmar to the southeast; the Bay of Bengal to the south |
| Administrative regions | 8 divisions and 64 districts |
| Language | Bangla (Bengali); English is widely used in business and tourism |
| Currency | Bangladeshi taka (BDT) |
| Time zone | Bangladesh Standard Time (UTC+6) |
| Main international airports | Dhaka (Hazrat Shahjalal), Chattogram (Shah Amanat) and Sylhet (Osmani) |
Where is Bangladesh?
Bangladesh sits between India and Myanmar at the top of the Bay of Bengal. India surrounds it on three sides, and Myanmar shares a short border in the far southeast. The capital, Dhaka, is roughly in the center of the country, which makes it a convenient base for travel in every direction. Nepal and Bhutan lie a short distance to the north, across a narrow strip of India.
Geography: rivers, hills and coast
Most of Bangladesh is low, flat and fertile, shaped by hundreds of rivers that flood and renew the land each monsoon. Rivers are central to life here, and traveling by boat is one of the best ways to see the country. There are three main exceptions to the flat delta:
- The northeast hills (Sylhet): rolling tea gardens, forests and clear rivers at the foot of India’s Meghalaya hills.
- The southeast hills (Chittagong Hill Tracts): the country’s highest hills, home to many indigenous communities.
- The coast: the Sundarbans mangrove forest in the southwest, and the long sandy beach at Cox’s Bazar in the southeast.
The 8 divisions of Bangladesh: a travel guide
Bangladesh is divided into eight administrative divisions, each named after its main city. A new Cumilla Division has also been proposed. Here is what each division offers travelers:
| Division | Main city | Highlights for travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Dhaka | Dhaka | The capital: Old Dhaka’s Mughal and colonial heritage, Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, Sadarghat river port and the old capital of Sonargaon. Old Dhaka tour |
| Sylhet | Sylhet | Tea country: the tea gardens of Srimangal, Ratargul swamp forest, Lalakhal, Jaflong and Lawachara National Park. Sylhet tea country tour |
| Khulna | Khulna | The Sundarbans mangrove forest (UNESCO) and the historic Mosque City of Bagerhat with the Sixty Dome Mosque (UNESCO). Sundarbans tour |
| Chattogram | Chattogram | The country’s main port, the beach at Cox’s Bazar, the Marine Drive and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Cox’s Bazar tour |
| Rajshahi | Rajshahi | Ancient history: Paharpur Buddhist monastery (UNESCO), Mahasthangarh near Bogura and the temples of Puthia. |
| Barishal | Barishal | River life, floating markets in the monsoon season and Kuakata beach on the southern coast. |
| Rangpur | Rangpur | The Tajhat Palace and, nearby in Dinajpur, the beautifully carved Kantaji Temple. |
| Mymensingh | Mymensingh | The old course of the Brahmaputra River and the Garo Hills area around Birishiri. |
Note on the Chittagong Hill Tracts: several governments currently advise against travel to the hill districts of Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachari. Read our guide Is Bangladesh safe for tourists? before planning a visit.
How to get around Bangladesh
- Domestic flights connect Dhaka with Sylhet, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Jashore (for Khulna and the Sundarbans) and other cities in about an hour.
- Trains are a comfortable, scenic way to travel between major cities; book first-class or air-conditioned seats in advance.
- Private car with driver is the most flexible option and is included on our tours.
- River launches and boats are part of the experience, from the Buriganga in Dhaka to the Sundarbans.
Plan your route with a local expert
Bangladesh is compact, but travel times can be long because of traffic and rivers. A good first trip combines Dhaka, Sylhet and the Sundarbans, as in our Best of Bangladesh in 10 days tour. Tell us your dates and interests and we will suggest the best route. Request a free itinerary or WhatsApp us on +1 (306) 581-1135.