By Special Correspondent, Dr Shafiqur Rahman: Bangladesh, known as the land of rivers, is slowly becoming one of the most exciting tourist destinations in South Asia. With its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality, it has much to offer to travellers from around the world. Among the many attractions, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, and Rangamati stand out for their natural beauty and world-class resorts. As Bangladesh develops its tourism sector, now is the perfect time to discover this hidden gem.
Cox’s Bazar: The Longest Sea Beach in the World
Cox’s Bazar is the pride of Bangladesh. It is home to the longest uninterrupted sea beach in the world, stretching over 120 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal. Every year, millions of local and foreign tourists visit this beautiful beach town to enjoy its golden sands, gentle waves, and breath-taking sunsets.
Cox’s Bazar offers a variety of attractions for visitors. Laboni Beach, the main beach area, is lively with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Further south, Inani Beach provides a quieter atmosphere with coral stones and crystal-clear water. Himchari National Park, just a short drive away, offers waterfalls, hills, and panoramic views of the sea.
Luxury resorts and hotels have developed quickly in Cox’s Bazar to meet the growing number of visitors. Well-known resorts such as Mermaid Beach Resort and Sayeman Beach Resort offer top-class facilities. New international-standard hotels are also under construction to boost tourism even further.
The government is actively promoting Cox’s Bazar as a global tourist hub. The development of the Cox’s Bazar international airport will soon make it even easier for international tourists to access this beautiful destination.
Sylhet: The Land of Tea Gardens and Natural Beauty
Sylhet, located in the north-eastern part of Bangladesh, is known for its rolling hills, tea gardens, and spiritual sites. Often called the “Land of Two Leaves and a Bud,” Sylhet is the centre of Bangladesh’s tea industry. Tourists visiting Sylhet can enjoy stunning green landscapes covered with endless tea gardens.
One of the most popular places to visit in Sylhet is the Ratargul Swamp Forest, the only swamp forest in Bangladesh and one of the few in the world. It offers visitors the chance to explore its peaceful waterways by boat, especially during the rainy season when the forest is completely submerged.
Another famous attraction is Jaflong, located near the Indian border. Jaflong is known for its stone collection activities, beautiful river views, and nearby waterfalls. The hills of Jaintiapur, full of historical ruins and scenic beauty, are also close by.
Sylhet is also a spiritual centre. It is home to the shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal (RA), a revered Sufi saint, and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA). Many pilgrims visit these holy sites each year, blending religious tourism with the region’s natural beauty.
Luxury resorts such as Dusai Resort and Spa and Nazimgarh Resorts offer outstanding accommodation options in Sylhet. These resorts are built among the tea gardens and forests, giving visitors a chance to relax in natural surroundings while enjoying modern amenities.
Rangamati: The Lake City of Bangladesh
Rangamati, located in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, is known as the “Lake City” of Bangladesh. It is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, indigenous culture, and unique attractions.
The biggest highlight of Rangamati is Kaptai Lake, a vast man-made lake created by damming the Karnaphuli River. The lake, surrounded by hills and forests, offers stunning views and opportunities for boat trips. Visitors can rent boats to explore the many islands and visit tribal villages located along the lake.
The Hanging Bridge, officially called Jhulonto Bridge, is one of Rangamati’s most iconic landmarks. It provides a wonderful view of the lake and the surrounding green hills. Another must-visit spot is the Rajban Bihar, a Buddhist monastery known for its peaceful environment and beautiful architecture.
Rangamati is also a centre for indigenous culture. The Chakma, Marma, and other ethnic groups have rich traditions in handicrafts, weaving, and festivals. Visitors often buy handmade textiles, bamboo products, and souvenirs from local markets.
There are many hotels and resorts in Rangamati that offer comfortable accommodation with lake views. Resorts like Parjatan Holiday Complex and Lake View Island Resort are popular choices for tourists seeking a quiet, nature-filled retreat.
World-Class Resorts Boosting Tourism
Bangladesh’s tourism industry is growing, thanks to the rapid development of high-quality resorts across the country. In Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, and Rangamati, many new resorts have been built to offer international standard services to both domestic and foreign tourists.
Some of the most notable resorts include:
Here’s a list of the top 10 world-class resorts in Bangladesh, each with a one-sentence description:
- Dusai Resort & Spa, Moulvibazar
Bangladesh’s first five-star resort, offering luxury amidst tea gardens and rolling hills. - Nazimgarh Wilderness Resort, Sylhet
A premium eco-resort surrounded by forests, waterfalls, and tea estates, perfect for nature lovers. - Mermaid Beach Resort, Cox’s Bazar
An eco-friendly seaside resort offering rustic luxury cottages just steps from the beach. - The Palace Luxury Resort, Habiganj
A grand, five-star resort set in 150 acres of greenery, offering lavish villas, a golf course, and spa facilities. - Inani Royal Resort, Cox’s Bazar
Located near Inani Beach, this resort blends modern luxury with scenic ocean views. - Sayeman Beach Resort, Cox’s Bazar
A stylish beach resort combining heritage hospitality with contemporary amenities by the sea. - Sea Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, Cox’s Bazar
A luxury resort facing Inani Beach, offering spacious suites, water activities, and wellness treatments. - Grand Sultan Tea Resort & Golf, Sylhet
A luxurious tea-themed resort with an 18-hole golf course, swimming pools, and panoramic views. - Sairu Hill Resorts, Bandarban
An exclusive hilltop resort in Bandarban offering breath-taking views, tranquility, and adventure opportunities. - Brac CDM Rajendrapur, Gazipur
An award-winning eco-resort combining sustainable living with modern conference and leisure facilities.
These resorts focus not only on comfort but also on eco-tourism, promoting sustainability and protecting the environment. They are attracting a growing number of tourists who are looking for unique experiences close to nature.
Future Prospects
The government of Bangladesh has recognised tourism as a priority sector for economic development. Major steps are being taken to improve infrastructure, safety, and international connectivity. Projects like the expansion of airports, improvement of road networks, and promotion campaigns are already underway.
Additionally, the Bangladesh Tourism Board and private sector partners are actively promoting Bangladesh in international travel fairs and online platforms. The goal is to position Bangladesh as a new and exciting destination for tourists seeking unexplored beauty, culture, and adventure.
Bangladesh’s affordability compared to other Asian destinations also gives it an advantage. Tourists can enjoy five-star experiences at much lower costs than in many neighbouring countries.
Conclusion
Bangladesh is a country of hidden treasures. From the longest sea beach in Cox’s Bazar to the peaceful tea gardens of Sylhet, and the stunning lake city of Rangamati, there is so much to explore. With the growth of world-class resorts and improved tourist facilities, Bangladesh is ready to welcome the world.
If you are looking for your next travel destination filled with natural beauty, rich culture, warm hospitality, and unforgettable experiences — Bangladesh is waiting for you.