Before leaving for Dhaka , drop me few lines at bangla[ ]gmail. Don't forget to include a referential subject. Hi, I am also visiting Dhaka , during 27 December - 10 January 2 people travelling. Any suggestions on ideas would be appreciated. OH, places to avoid: I've been told to avoid downtown Dhaka on Friday afternoons after prayers. That's when there is the greatest potential for riots i.
I am visiting dhaka in this november. I want to know few facts - 1. Look in the Lonely planet book for places to visit. The highlights of Dhaka are concentrated in the Old Dhaka area. Areas near Dhaka that you may want to visit are Sonagon, Tonge an Savar. You are best off staying in Uttara or Gulshan rather than in the centre of the city. There are cheap clean hotels and you should be willing to may about Tk per night. Out of Dhaka, the Chittagong district is intersting, especially the Hill tracts, but let the police know that you are coming , Syhlet is beautiful if you are already in Bangladesh and you want to see tea gardens.
The best way to travel is AC bus or on a train. When travelling around Dhaka take rickshaws for up to 2km. Anything further take a green CNG and make sure they put the meter on.
Do not pay buchshesh as this inflates the prices for Bengalis. Never pay a rickshaw wallah more than Tk30! Things to avoid are dressing immodestly. You will draw attention to yourself if you walk around in shorts or vests. You are not coming to Thailand. Long trousers are the order of the day for men and women should wear shawler kammez or a long skirt with a blouse and aurna.
If you want to draw attention to yourself don't follow this advice, but remember you would be irritated if tourists came to your country and walk around with everything showing. Bengalis naturally stare, get used to it, they do not mean any offence. Avoid black taxis at night. You cannot get alcohol in most resturants, but then why should you. Bangladesh is a Muslim country and you need to respect that.
