Chittagong - Discovering Bangladesh

Travelling to Chittagong

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Chittagong, a pretty good destination in Bangladesh (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Chittagong and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Chittagong, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Bangladesh, here's everything to know about Chittagong for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Chittagong

Chittagong is a port city and the second-largest city in Bangladesh, located on the east bank of the Karnaphuli River. It is a vital economic hub with a bustling seaport that handles a significant volume of Bangladesh's import and export trade. Chittagong is also home to several industrial zones, including the Chittagong Export Processing Zone and the Karnaphuli Export Processing Zone. The city has a rich history, with several ancient temples and historical landmarks, and it is known for its vibrant cultural diversity and spicy cuisine.

What to visit in Chittagong

Sure, here are some of the popular tourist attractions of Chittagong: 1. Cox's Bazar Beach: This is the longest natural beach in the world, stretching over 120 km. It's a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, known for its soft sand and clear waters.
2. Patenga Beach: Located just outside the city, Patenga Beach is another popular spot for beach lovers. It's a great place to enjoy the sunset, take a dip in the water, or try some local street food.
3. Karnaphuli River: This is the largest river in Chittagong and offers scenic views of the city and surrounding hills. You can take a boat tour to explore the river and its nearby islands.
4. Foy's Lake: This is an artificial lake located about 8 km from the city center. There's a amusement park and a zoo here, making it a great spot for families to visit.
5. Ethnological Museum: This museum showcases the diverse cultural heritage of Bangladesh, with exhibits on traditional costumes, musical instruments, and more.
6. Shrine of Bayazid Bostami: This is a popular pilgrimage site for Muslims, but it's also a historically significant place with a beautiful garden and architecture.
7. Baitul Falah Mosque: This is one of the largest mosques in Chittagong, known for its unique design and impressive domes.
These are just a few of the many tourist attractions in Chittagong. Visitors can also explore local markets, parks, and historical landmarks to get a fuller experience of the city.

You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Chittagong.

When to go on holiday to Chittagong

The best time to visit Chittagong is from October to February when the weather is cool and dry. The temperature during this time ranges from 20-25 degrees Celsius and there is very little rainfall making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. From March to May it can get quite hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius making it uncomfortable for many tourists. From June to September, the region experiences monsoon rains which disrupt travel plans and may cause flooding, so it is not recommended to visit during this time.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Chittagong

There are several ways to get to Chittagong, Bangladesh: 1. By air: You can fly from various international airports to Shah Amanat International Airport located in Chittagong.
2. By train: There is a train service from Dhaka to Chittagong. You can take a train from Dhaka-Kamalapur Railway Station or Airport Railway Station to reach Chittagong Railway Station.
3. By bus: There are numerous bus services between Chittagong and Dhaka. You can choose to travel by a luxury or regular bus.
4. By car: You can hire a car or taxi to drive to Chittagong from Dhaka or other locations in Bangladesh.
Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, please check the travel requirements related to COVID-19 before planning your trip.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Chittagong, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Chittagong

Chittagong, located in the southeastern region of Bangladesh, offers a unique blend of Bengali and Burmese cuisine. Here are some typical foods of Chittagong with a short description: 1. Shutki Maach Bhuna - Dried Fish Curry: Shutki maach bhuna is a popular dish made with dried fish cooked in a spicy curry made with onions, tomatoes, and green chillies.
2. Morog Pulao - Chicken Pilaf: Morog pulao is a rice dish cooked with chicken and flavored with aromatic spices.
3. Chtpoti - Spicy Chickpea Snack: Chtpoti is a popular street food snack made with boiled chickpeas, potatoes, tamarind paste, green chillies, and onions.
4. Burmese Paratha - Flaky Bread: Burmese paratha is a crispy, flaky bread made by layering butter between dough and frying it.
5. Chingri Malai Curry - Prawns in Coconut Milk: Chingri malai curry is a creamy and delicious prawn curry made with coconut milk, onions, and spices.
6. Fuchka - Puffed Pastry with Spicy Filling: Fuchka is a beloved street food snack made with crispy puffed pastry shells filled with spicy potato or chickpea filling and served with tamarind water.
7. Beef Rezala - Beef in Yogurt Gravy: Beef rezala is an aromatic and creamy beef curry made with yogurt, onions, and spices.
8. Tai Pai - Grilled Fish: Tai pai is a grilled fish dish marinated in a mixture of turmeric, chilli powder, and lime juice.
9. Chatgaiyan Tea - Milk Tea: Chatgaiyan tea is a delicious milk tea enjoyed throughout Chittagong served with sweet cake or biscuits.
10. Samosas - Deep-Fried Snacks: Samosas are a popular snack made with a crispy pastry shell filled with spiced potatoes or minced meat.
You can find general info about typical foods in Bangladesh here.

Is Chittagong an expensive destination for tourists?

Chittagong, Bangladesh is not considered to be expensive compared to other popular tourist destinations. In fact, it is relatively affordable for travelers. Accommodation, transportation, food, and activities are all reasonably priced, making it an excellent budget-friendly destination. However, as with any destination, the cost of your trip will depend on your travel style and the activities you choose to participate in. It's always a good idea to research and plan your budget accordingly before your trip.

Where to find accomodation in Chittagong

Some of the best areas to find accommodation in Chittagong (Bangladesh) are: 1. Agrabad Commercial Area: This area is the commercial hub of Chittagong and has many hotels and guesthouses to choose from.
2. GEC Circle: This area is near some of the city's major attractions, such as the Ethnological Museum and Zia Memorial Museum.
3. Sheikh Mujib Road: This area has many budget-friendly options for travelers and is near the city's railway station.
4. Khulshi: This is a residential area with several high-end hotels and serviced apartments. It's also close to the airport.
5. Foy's Lake: This area is a popular tourist destination with many hotels and resorts overlooking the lake.
You can check hotel prices at Chittagong here:
Booking.com

Is Chittagong a safe destination for tourists?

Chittagong is generally considered to be a safe place for tourists. However, like any other city in the world, it is important to remain cautious and take certain safety precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night or in deserted areas, keeping your valuables safe and following the local customs and laws. Additionally, it is important to stay up to date with the latest travel advisories and security alerts issued by relevant authorities before planning your trip to Chittagong.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Bangladesh here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Chittagong.

What type of travelers will enjoy Chittagong the most?

Chittagong, Bangladesh has a diverse range of attractions and activities that can cater to different types of travelers. Here are some suggestions: 1. Couples: The romantic ambiance of Patenga Beach and the Foy's Lake can be an ideal place for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
2. Young people: Chittagong has plenty of nightlife options, especially in the GEC Circle and Agrabad areas. Young people who like to party can enjoy the lively music, dance, foods, and drinks.
3. Families: Families can explore the city's historical landmarks such as the Ethnological Museum, the Chittagong War Cemetery and the Shrine of Bayazid Bostami. Families can also take a trip to the Chattogram Zoo or enjoy a cable car ride at Foy's Lake.
Overall, Chittagong has something to offer for all types of travelers.

How to get around Chittagong

In Chittagong, you can choose from a variety of transportation modes such as buses, taxis, autorickshaws, and CNG (compressed natural gas) three-wheelers. Buses are the most common mode of transport, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable at times. Taxis and autorickshaws are also widely available, and they are more convenient and comfortable than buses. CNG three-wheelers are commonly used for short distances and can be a good option if you're traveling solo or with one other person. It's important to negotiate the fare in advance with the driver, as they may try to charge you more if you're a tourist.

What to see around Chittagong

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Chittagong: 1. Cox's Bazar: This is the world's longest natural sandy sea beach, located about 150 km south of Chittagong. It offers beautiful views of the Bay of Bengal and a day trip is definitely worth it.
2. Sitakunda: This ancient pilgrim spot is located about 35 km north of Chittagong and is known for its natural beauty and cultural significance.
3. Chittagong port: If you are interested in shipping and maritime history, Chittagong port is definitely worth visiting.
4. Patenga Beach: This scenic beach is about 14 km southwest of Chittagong city and is popular among locals for picnicking and boating.
5. Shrine of Bayazid Bostami: This beautiful shrine is located about 9 km north of Chittagong city and is famous for its ancient relics and the stunning architecture of the shrine.
I hope this helps!
For every travel information about Bangladesh you can click here.

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