Visiting Dhaka, Bangladesh can be an overwhelming adventure and one that’s tricky to organize. There isn’t much information about the attractions within the city, much less just a brief drive away. (And I mention a brief drive, but be aware, the traffic can significantly slow you down if your timing isn’t optimal.) Nevertheless, as a visitor, there are some captivating places to explore within a day that make it worthwhile to spend some time in the car.
You can watch the video above and then continue reading to plan a day trip around Dhaka.
Start Early
Dhaka’s climate shifts from wet to dry but is typically hot and humid all year round. To dodge the peak heat and traffic, it’s advisable to start around 7:30am. You could begin earlier, but anything before 7 in the morning means you’ll be waiting for attractions to open at your destination.
It’s recommended to hire a local driver. You can do this through a travel agency or a reliable contact (tour companies may charge up to $100 a day for a driver and guide), but ride-sharing apps present a more budget-friendly option. With Uber, you can book a driver for the day and add stops along your route as you go or input them all at once. The total fare from Dhaka to these major sites for a round trip will range from $20-40.
Head To Sonargaon
Pronounced “sho-nar-gone,” it was formerly the capital of ancient Bengal. Today, it is a smaller city with expansive parks and historical attractions such as the Folk Museum. Inside, you can view ancient arts and crafts from the times of the various Bengal Sultanates that once thrived in this area. The Folk Museum charges a nominal entry fee, and you can spend an hour or two wandering through the museum structures and appreciating the vast green spaces.
A 10-minute drive away is Panam Nagar, also known as Panam City. Another former capital from the 13th century, it stands as one of the most remarkable sites near Dhaka. Having been ravaged and reconstructed by several colonial powers before being entirely deserted in the 1960s, today it exists as a sprawling ghost town with architecture gradually reclaimed by nature.
Regrettably, videos are not allowed on the premises (many visitors were discreetly recording with their phones, but you didn’t hear that from me); however, it is a photographer’s paradise. Vivid colors, haunting buildings, and opportunities for selfies abound in Panam.
Explore The Towns
One of the intriguing features of these areas surrounding Dhaka is that they’re significantly less crowded. You can stroll into the towns, meet locals, explore markets, and come across historic landmarks such as the Goaldi Mosque, constructed in 1519. Presently, it is abandoned and serves as a historical site in a tranquil neighborhood. From there, you can venture out and experience a slower-paced Bangladesh before returning to Dhaka to savor the street food along Bailey Road. Arrive by 19:00 and enjoy all the snacks. My recommendations on where to dine are included in the video here.