Visiting Dhaka, Bangladesh can be an intense experience, and planning it can be quite challenging. There isn’t much information available about the attractions in the city, not to mention those just a short drive away. (And I mention short drive, but don’t be fooled, the traffic can significantly delay you if your timing isn’t optimal.) Nevertheless, for travelers, there are several intriguing places to check out in a day that justify a little time in the car.
You can view the video above and then continue reading to devise a day trip around Dhaka.
**Begin Early**
Dhaka experiences seasons from wet to dry, yet it remains generally warm and humid year-round. To escape the peak heat and traffic, it’s advisable to start around 7:30am. You might leave earlier, but if you head out before 7 in the morning, you’ll end up waiting for attractions to open at your destination.
It’s recommended to hire a local driver. This can be done either via a tour company or through a reliable contact (tour companies may charge up to $100 per day for a driver and guide), but ride-sharing apps provide a more affordable option. By using Uber, you can book a driver for the day and add stops along your journey as you go or list them all at once. The total fare from Dhaka to these major attractions round trip will be $20-40.
**Proceed To Sonargaon**
Pronounced “sho-nar-gone,” it was formerly the capital of ancient Bengal. Currently, it is a smaller city featuring expansive parks and historic sites, including the Folk Museum. Inside, you can observe ancient arts and crafts reflecting the times of the various Bengal Sultanates that were present in this region. The Folk Museum has a minimal entry fee, allowing you to spend an hour or two wandering through the museum buildings while enjoying the vast green spaces.
Just a 10-minute drive away lies Panam Nagar, or Panam City. Another former capital from the 13th century, it stands out as one of the most remarkable locations near Dhaka. It has been destroyed and reconstructed by various colonial powers before being entirely deserted in the 1960s. Now, it remains a vast ghost town, with its architecture slowly being reclaimed by nature.
Regrettably, videos aren’t permitted on the premises (although many visitors were discreetly filming with their phones, but you didn’t hear that from me), but it is nevertheless a photographer’s paradise. Vibrant colors, haunting structures, and opportunities for selfies abound in Panam.
**Discover The Towns**
One appealing aspect of the regions surrounding Dhaka is their relative tranquility. You can explore the towns, interact with locals, visit marketplaces, and come across historic sites like the Goaldi Mosque, constructed in 1519. Currently, it’s abandoned but stands as a historic landmark in a serene neighborhood. From there, you can venture out to experience a more laid-back side of Bangladesh before heading back to Dhaka to sample the street food on Bailey Road. Arrive by 19:00 to enjoy all the snacks. My dining recommendations can be found in the video here.