Bandarban is a small town in Chittagong Division, Bangladesh. It is the headquarters of Bandarban District. It is located on the Sangu River. Wikipedia
District: Bandarban
Division: Chittagong Division
Known for: Rolling green hills, tribal villages, Buddhist temples, trekking routes, and waterfalls
Location: Southeastern Bangladesh, bordering Myanmar — part of the Chittagong Hill Tracts
October to March (Winter):
Cool, clear skies, perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and photography.
April to June (Pre-monsoon):
Warmer, lush greenery — ideal for waterfalls and trekking.
July to September (Monsoon):
Dramatic landscapes, but slippery trails and landslides possible.
From Dhaka:
By Bus: Overnight AC/non-AC buses (~8–10 hrs) to Bandarban town (Hanif, Soudia, Shyamoli).
By Air: Fly to Chattogram, then drive ~3–4 hrs to Bandarban.
Local 4x4 jeeps or CNGs are needed for exploring remote areas from the main town.
Nilgiri Hill:
2,200+ feet high — stunning sunrise/sunset views, often above the clouds.
Nilachal:
Close to town — panoramic views of the hills, popular for sunsets.
Chimbuk Hill:
Third-highest peak in Bangladesh (~2,500 ft) — scenic jeep drive.
Amiakhum & Nafakhum Waterfalls:
Remote and breathtaking waterfalls — reached via trekking from Thanchi.
Tajingdong (Bijoy Hill):
One of the highest peaks in the country — adventurous multi-day trek.
Boga Lake:
A mystical crater lake surrounded by hills — great for camping or overnight stays.
Sangu River:
Ideal for boat rides — beautiful river winding through the hills.
Nafakhum Waterfall:
One of the widest waterfalls in Bangladesh — near Thanchi.
Buddha Dhatu Jadi (Golden Temple):
Largest Theravada Buddhist temple in Bangladesh — serene hilltop location.
Tribal Villages:
Visit Marma, Bawm, Tripura, Mro, and Chakma communities — learn about indigenous lifestyles and handicrafts.
🥾 Trekking to Boga Lake, Nafakhum, Amiakhum, and Thanchi
🧗 Mountain hiking and camping
🛶 Boat rides on the Sangu River
📷 Photography of landscapes, temples, and tribal culture
🧘 Relaxing in hill resorts like Nilgiri or Nilachal
🎨 Shopping for tribal handicrafts in Bandarban town
Luxury/Mid-range:
Nilgiri Resort (Army-run, scenic)
Holiday Inn Resort Bandarban
Hillside Resort
Hotel Plaza Bandarban
Eco & Budget Stays:
Boga Lake tribal cottages (basic)
Green Peak Resorts
Homestays in tribal villages (ask local guides)
Must-Try Dishes:
Bamboo chicken (cooked inside bamboo stalks)
Sticky rice and hill vegetables
Smoked fish (from tribal kitchens)
Banana flower curry (local specialty)
Restaurants in Town:
Tajingdong Restaurant (local cuisine)
Nirob Restaurant
Food courts at Nilachal and Meghla tourism spots
Most resorts offer local and Bengali-style meals — notify in advance if you’re vegetarian.
Ethnic Groups: Marma, Mro, Bawm, Tripura, Chakma, Khumi, and others
Religion: Primarily Buddhist and Christian among hill people
Language: Bengali, but indigenous communities speak their own dialects
Crafts: Bamboo items, bead jewelry, woven textiles
Permits:
Foreign tourists must get permission from the Deputy Commissioner’s office (Khagrachari or Bandarban). Some treks (like to Thanchi) require army clearance.
Travel with a local guide for treks and tribal visits.
Cash is king — carry enough, as ATMs may be unreliable.
Mobile coverage is patchy in remote areas — prepare accordingly.
Respect local customs and ask before photographing people or religious places.
Day 1:
Arrive in Bandarban → Visit Nilachal → Buddha Dhatu Jadi → Overnight at resort
Day 2:
Early jeep ride to Nilgiri → Explore Chimbuk Hill and tribal villages → Return by Sangu River boat ride
Day 3:
Day trip to Boga Lake or trek start point → Lunch with locals → Return or camp overnight
Extend for 1–2 days if visiting Nafakhum or Amiakhum.