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Riverine Bengal: 13-Day Delta & Heritage Cruise

Experience the lifeblood of Bangladesh on a 13-day river-focused expedition through the world’s largest delta. Cruise past UNESCO sites, explore the Sundarbans, and meet the river-dwelling communities of the south. This tour combines the comfort of water travel with the thrill of land-based cultural exploration, finishing at the golden sands of Cox’s Bazar.

River gypsy woman standing on a traditional boat in Barisal Bangladesh surrounded by river and rural landscape
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Overview

What you’ll experience

Duration
13
Group Size
8-14
Difficulty
moderate
Activity
river
Highlights

Why this trip?

  • Dhaka city tour including the National Parliament and Lalbagh Fort
  • Brahmaputra River cruise from Chilmari market town
  • UNESCO sites Mahasthangarh and Paharpur Buddhist monastery
  • Puthia temple city and Lalon's shrine at Kushtia
  • Daylong Sundarbans cruise to Harbaria Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Bagerhat UNESCO Mosque City and Grameen Bank visit
  • Barisal floating market and the Padma Bridge crossing
  • Bandarban tribal markets, Sangu river and Cox's Bazar beaches
Itinerary

Day by day

  1. Day 01

    Arrival Dhaka - Sightseeing

    Stay · Hotel in DhakaMeals · Breakfast
  2. Day 02

    Dhaka - Weaving Village - Mahasthangarh - Rangpur

    Stay · Hotel in BograMeals · Breakfast
  3. Day 03

    Rangpur - Chilmari Bazar - Brahmaputra Cruise

    Stay · Hotel in BograMeals · Breakfast
  4. Day 04

    Rangpur - Kantajew Temple - Paharpur UNESCO - Bogra

    Stay · Hotel in BograMeals · Breakfast, Lunch
  5. Day 05

    Bogra - Puthia Temple City - Kushtia - Jessore

    Stay · Hotel Orion, JessoreMeals · Breakfast
  6. Day 06

    Otter Fishing - Sundarbans Daylong Cruise - Khulna

    Stay · Hotel in KhulnaMeals · Breakfast, Dinner
  7. Day 07

    Grameen Bank - Bagerhat UNESCO - Gypsy Village - Barisal

    Stay · Hotel in BarisalMeals · Breakfast
  8. Day 08

    Barisal Floating Market - Dhaka Drive Back

    Stay · Hotel in DhakaMeals · Breakfast
  9. Day 09

    Dhaka - Chittagong & Sonargaon Sightseeing

    Stay · Hotel in ChittagongMeals · Breakfast
  10. Day 10

    Fish Market - Bandarban Market Day

    Stay · Hotel in BandarbanMeals · Breakfast
  11. Day 11

    Bandarban Tribal Tour & Cox's Bazar Transfer

    Stay · Hotel in Cox's BazarMeals · Breakfast
  12. Day 12

    Cox's Bazar - Dry Fish - Salt Cultivation - Sunset

    Stay · Hotel in DhakaMeals · Breakfast
  13. Day 13

    Full Day Dhaka City Tour

    Meals · Breakfast
Included
  • ✓All transfers and road journeys by microbus or AC coach with guide depending on group size
  • ✓All sightseeing as per the itinerary and admission fees
  • ✓All accommodation on twin/double/single sharing basis with breakfast, plus Day 01 early check-in
  • ✓Special permit for the Hill districts (Bandarban and Rangamati)
  • ✓Sundarbans Forest permit with armed forest rangers, meals, tea/coffee and mineral water
  • ✓Grameen Bank micro-credit program visit and Sufi music at Lalon's shrine
  • ✓All meals from breakfast Day 01 to breakfast Day 14
  • ✓01 bottle of 500ml mineral water per person per day
  • ✓Domestic air ticket Dhaka-Chittagong-Dhaka with local taxes
  • ✓English-speaking accompanying guide and government taxes
Not included
  • —Beverages, hard and soft drinks
  • —Items of personal nature
  • —Items not included in the inclusions list
  • —Tribal cultural program at Bandarban
  • —Tipping to guide and driver
Common questions

Before you book

Is it safe to travel through the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sundarbans?
Yes, it is very safe! We arrange all the necessary special permits for the Hill districts (like Bandarban) and the Sundarbans in advance. During the Sundarbans cruise, you will also be accompanied by armed forest rangers for your complete peace of mind and protection.
What level of physical fitness is required for this 13-day tour?
This tour has a moderate difficulty level. You should be comfortable with a mix of activities, including walking through archaeological sites, exploring tribal villages, and taking various boat rides. While there is no strenuous hiking, being able to handle full days of sightseeing and getting in and out of local boats will help you enjoy the trip fully.
What should I pack for this river and heritage cruise?
We recommend packing light, breathable clothing suitable for a tropical climate, along with comfortable walking shoes for exploring ruins and villages. Modest dress is appreciated when visiting mosques and temples. Don't forget sun protection, insect repellent for the mangrove forest, and a light jacket for breezy evenings on the water.
How do we get around during the tour?
We handle all the logistics so you can just relax and enjoy the journey. Transportation includes air-conditioned microbuses or coaches for road journeys, a domestic flight from Cox's Bazar back to Dhaka, and various comfortable boat rides, including a daylong vessel in the Sundarbans and local motorized boats for the floating markets.
Do I need to arrange my own permits for the restricted areas?
Not at all! We take care of all the paperwork for you. The special permits required for the Chittagong Hill Tracts (Bandarban) and the Sundarbans Forest permit are completely included in your tour package. Just bring your sense of adventure!
Tripadvisor reviews

What travellers say

6
6863mariella
Cugnasco, Switzerland

“Just think about enjoying every moment!”

Just everything perfect! We did a 2-week tour: our only “concern” was to get up in the morning and show up in the hotel lobby to enjoy the day! Afridi was our impeccable guide and the driver Zia extricated himself wonderfully in the traffic, nothing short of chaotic! Our needs were taken into account and we also appreciated the flexibility shown by our guide. The atmosphere was cheerful, the knowledge of the country excellent and not least Afridi speaks commendable English! THANK YOU very much for this wonderful adventure!

January 2026
T
Tom
Washington DC

“Fun, interesting and truly authentic experience in Bangladesh”

My mom and I went on this trip in September 2025, and it was so much fun. Bangladesh is not a common travel destination for Westerners, but I am so glad we took a chance and traveled here for a week. We spent several days touring beautiful tea plantations, interacting with locals, visiting different villages, hiking in the forests, trying new foods, visiting a local village school, and making new friends. The best part was that it was 100% authentic. Our tour guides, Alfridi and Shymol, went out of their way to make us feel safe, happy and satisfied.

September 2025
a
annabelle v
Ghent, Belgium

“A.M.A.Z.I.N.G”

What a trip! What a ride! What a country! What an experience! It was amazing! We got into contact with the real Bangladesh — amazing people, good food, chaos and peace. We’ve got it all!

April 2025
G
Guido Helga
Bredene, Belgium

“Simply the best”

Just back from a 14-day beautiful tour through Bangladesh with Beyond Borders (Belgium) and Bangladesh Eco Adventure. Wonderful. There is a full program and we saw a lot of the country. Mahadi and Jerry did everything they could to show us as much as possible of this beautiful country. We visited Dhaka, Sonargaon, Sreemangal, Lawachara National Park, Mongla, Barisal, Chittagong and a Sundarban forest 3-day cruise. Often very adventurous — getting around by comfortable bus, boat and train. Lots of local markets, contacts with locals, good hotels, good food. One of our top trips among the many we have made all over the world.

March 2025
B
Benoît and Jany Chassatte

“Unforgettable experience”

Mahadi took us on a trip to Sundarban last March. It was an unforgettable holiday. Everything was so well organized. The team (drivers, boat team) were kind and helpful. With the engine boat we got to explore the beautiful waterways and with the small rowing boat we got close to the mangrove forests with their wild animals. We also got to know this unique and precious environment better through Mahadi’s explanations and books. If you could only visit one place in Bangladesh, we highly recommend this trip.

March 2021
M
Mohamed M

“10/10 Would recommend them for all Bangladesh tourism!”

Mahadi at Bangladesh Eco Adventure and team really made the trip a dream come true — they handled all logistics, were on time, excellent communicators, well priced and had immense local knowledge. We went to the Sundarbans for a few days, as well as day tours in Sonargaon and Dhaka. Sundarbans in particular is a must see. Myself and my friends had a wonderful time and would not hesitate to recommend them as the people to trust with all your travel and tourism in Bangladesh.

January 2026
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