What to Pack for a Trip to Bangladesh: A Local Guide’s Packing List

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Bangladesh is warm, humid and green for most of the year, with a long monsoon season and a conservative dress culture. Packing the right things makes a big difference to how comfortable you feel, whether you are walking the lanes of Old Dhaka, exploring the tea gardens of Sylhet or sleeping on a boat in the Sundarbans. Here is what our guides recommend bringing.

1. Light, modest clothing

Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country, and covering your shoulders and knees is respectful and helps you feel comfortable, especially outside Dhaka and when visiting mosques and temples. Choose loose, breathable fabrics that dry quickly in the humidity.

• Lightweight long-sleeve shirts – cover up and stay cool
• Loose cotton or linen trousers, or long, light skirts
• A lightweight scarf (for women) – useful for covering your head in mosques and for sun and dust
• A light jumper or fleece if you travel between December and February, when mornings in the north can be cool

2. Shoes for heat, mud and temples

You will take your shoes off often at mosques, temples and some homes, so easy slip-ons save time. For forest walks in Lawachara or the Sundarbans, closed shoes are better.

• Comfortable walking sandals
• Light waterproof walking shoes for forest trails and muddy paths

3. Rain gear for the monsoon

From about June to October, heavy rain is common. It rarely lasts all day, but when it comes, it pours.

• A packable rain jacket
• A compact travel umbrella – also handy as shade from the sun
• A waterproof dry bag to keep your phone, camera and passport dry on boats and in the rain

4. Health and comfort

Bring the basics with you, as specific brands can be hard to find outside the big cities. Please see a travel clinic or your doctor before your trip for advice on vaccinations and malaria precautions.

• Insect repellent – essential in the evenings and in forests
• High-SPF sunscreen
• A water bottle with a built-in filter to reduce plastic bottles (we provide bottled water on all tours too)
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
• A small personal first-aid kit, including rehydration salts and any medicines you normally take

5. Electronics

Bangladesh uses 220V electricity, and you will mostly find Type C, D and G sockets, sometimes all in one building. A universal adapter covers them all.

• A universal travel adapter
• A power bank – power cuts happen, and long drives mean fewer chances to charge
• A headlamp or small torch for power cuts and evenings on the Sundarbans boat: rechargeable headlamp

6. Money and documents

• Your passport, with copies stored separately and on your phone
• Your visa or visa-on-arrival documents, plus your hotel and tour bookings
• Some US dollars or euros in clean, undamaged notes to exchange, and a bank card for ATMs in the cities
• A slim money belt or neck pouch for busy markets and stations

7. Extras for the Sundarbans

On our Sundarbans boat expedition you spend most of your time on deck and in small boats in the creeks. These make the trip much better:

• Compact binoculars for spotting deer, monkeys, crocodiles and birds
• A long-sleeved top and long trousers in neutral colors (better for wildlife and against mosquitoes)
• A hat and sunglasses for the glare on the water

What you can leave at home

• Heavy jeans and thick clothes (they stay damp in the humidity)
• Revealing clothing such as shorts and tank tops for town and village visits
• Expensive jewelry
• Too much cash at once: ATMs are easy to find in Dhaka, Sylhet, Chittagong and Khulna

Travel with a local guide

Our private tours include airport pickup, transport, hotels, permits and an English-speaking guide, so you only need to pack your bag. See our Sylhet tea country tour, our Sundarbans boat expedition or the Best of Bangladesh in 10 days, and read our Bangladesh Travel FAQ for visas, safety and the best time to visit.