Visiting Dhaka, Bangladesh can be an intense adventure and one that poses challenges in planning. There is a limited amount of information available about the attractions within the city, let alone those just a short drive away. (And while I refer to it as a short drive, be aware that traffic can significantly delay your journey if your timing isn’t optimal.) Nonetheless, there are some fascinating places to explore within a day that justify the time spent in a vehicle.
You can view the video above and then continue reading to organize a day trip around Dhaka.
**Begin Early**
Dhaka experiences a transition from wet to dry seasons, yet remains predominantly hot and humid throughout the year. To dodge the peak of the heat and traffic congestion, it’s advisable to commence your day around 7:30 am. You could start earlier, but anything before 7 in the morning will have you waiting for attractions to open at your destination.
It’s advisable to hire a local driver. This can be arranged through a tour company or a reliable contact (tour companies may charge up to $100 per day for a driver and guide), but ride-sharing apps present a more affordable option. Using Uber, you can secure a driver for the day, adding stops along your route as needed or inputting them all at once. The overall cost for a round trip from Dhaka to these major sites will be $20-40.
**Proceed To Sonargaon**
Pronounced “sho-nar-gone,” it was formerly the capital of ancient Bengal. Presently, it is a smaller municipality featuring vast open-air parks and historical landmarks like the Folk Museum. Within, you can observe ancient arts and crafts from the eras of the various Bengal Sultanates that existed in this territory. The Folk Museum has a nominal entry fee, and you can spend an hour or two exploring the museum buildings and enjoying the expansive green spaces.
A quick 10-minute drive away is Panam Nagar, or Panam City. Another former capital, dating back to the 13th century, it stands as one of the most remarkable sites near Dhaka. It has undergone destruction and reconstruction by several colonial powers before being entirely abandoned in the 1960s. Today, it remains a vast ghost town, with architecture gradually being reclaimed by nature.
Regrettably, no videos are allowed on the premises (lots of individuals were stealthily recording with their phones, but that’s not for me to divulge) but still, it is a photographer’s paradise. Vivid colors, haunting structures, and plenty of selfie possibilities await you in Panam.
**Discover The Towns**
One of the intriguing features of these areas around Dhaka is that they’re considerably less crowded. You can meander into the towns, interact with locals, visit community markets, and stumble upon historic treasures like the Goaldi Mosque, constructed in 1519. Currently, it is uninhabited and stands as a historic site in a tranquil neighborhood. From that point, you can venture out to experience a slower-paced side of Bangladesh before returning to Dhaka to indulge in the street food on Bailey Road. Arrive by 19:00 and savor all the delights. My dining recommendations can be found in the video here.