Bandarban (বান্দরবান): travel guide

The crown jewel of the Chittagong Hill Tracts featuring misty peaks, indigenous culture, and dramatic cascades.

Bandarban is in Bandarban district, Chattogram division, Bangladesh. Compare bus, train and air fares to Bandarban and see the route on a map.

Things to do in Bandarban

  • Nafakhum Waterfalls (নাফাখুম জলপ্রপাত): The Bengal Niagara — a thunderous cascade located along the Remakri canal accessible via engine boat from Thanchi. Waterfalls, free entry, best time: October to January
  • Nilgiri Hill Resort Viewpoint (নীলগিরি): Perched at 2,200 feet above sea level, managed by the Bangladesh Army, floating literally above cloud banks. Cloud Peaks, entry about 100 BDT, best time: September to February (Monsoon & Winter for sea of clouds)
  • Boga Lake (বগালেক): A mystical natural crater lake at 1,500 feet enveloped in Marma folklore, halfway to Keokradong peak. Lakes & Treks, entry about 50 BDT, best time: Winter months (November to March)

Where to stay in Bandarban

  • Sairu Hill Resort (Resort), about ৳12,000 - ৳22,000 / night. Infinity pool with 360-degree panoramic mountain cloud view
  • Boga Lake Tribal Community Homestay (Budget), about ৳500 - ৳1,000 / night. Authentic Marma/Bawm wooden stilt cottage experience & campfire
  • Hill Crown Hotel & Resort (MidRange), about ৳3,500 - ৳6,000 / night. Central location with family mountain view suites

Travel advice for Bandarban

  • Registered Local Guide for Remakri / Nafakhum: Venturing beyond Thanchi into Remakri or Nafakhum waterfalls strictly requires hiring a certified guide from the Thanchi Guide Association (approx ৳1,500/day + food). Life jackets are compulsory when riding engine boats through Tindu boulders.
  • NID / Passport Copies Required for Army Checkposts: Carry at least 5-10 photocopies of your National ID card / Passport and 2 passport-size photographs. Every tourist must register at Army and Police checkposts at Ruma, Thanchi, and Chimbuk before proceeding.
  • Tribal Cuisine: Bamboo Chicken & Mundi: Try indigenous Marma and Tripura delicacies. 'Bamboo Chicken' (chicken slow-cooked inside green bamboo culms over charcoal) and 'Mundi' (spicy homemade rice noodles served in hot aromatic broth) are available near Thanchi and Chimbuk hill shops.

More places to explore in Bangladesh

Ghurte Jabo is a free Bangladesh trip planner in English and Bangla. Prices are estimates; check before you travel.