Flights from Phuket (HKT) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a fast-growing megacity where riverside life, historic architecture, and a dynamic urban energy come together. You will find lively neighbourhoods, colourful rickshaws, and a creative spirit that makes the city both intense and rewarding to explore.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Buriganga River, with contrasting districts such as Old Dhaka’s narrow lanes and the broader avenues of Gulshan and Banani. Expect busy traffic, bustling markets, and friendly encounters, balanced by tranquil pockets in parks, lakeside walkways, and historic compounds.

Plan your trip
Dhaka is a natural gateway to exploring wider Bangladesh, from tea gardens in the north-east to river-delta landscapes in the south. Plan time to adjust to the city’s rhythm, then use it as a base for day trips and onward journeys around the country.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this unfinished 17th-century Mughal complex, known for its grand gateways, ornamental gardens, and atmospheric views at sunset.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the pink riverside palace that once hosted important dignitaries, now a museum showcasing the lifestyle of Dhaka’s elite in the 19th century.

Sadarghat Riverfront

Watch bustling life along the Buriganga River, where passenger boats, cargo vessels, and small wooden ferries weave through the waterway.

Old Dhaka streets

Wander through narrow alleys lined with historic buildings, small workshops, and neighbourhood stores that reveal everyday city life.

National Parliament complex

Admire the striking modernist architecture of the parliament building and its surrounding lake, a popular spot for evening walks.

Hatirjheel Lake

Stroll or take a boat ride around this urban lake development, framed by bridges, landscaped paths, and night-time city lights.

Dhaka University area

Explore leafy university grounds, cultural institutions, and bookstalls that make this one of the city’s most engaging neighbourhoods.

Experience Dhaka’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Rickshaws, ride-hailing cars, and CNG auto-rickshaws are common ways to move through Dhaka’s busy streets, especially for short distances. For longer trips, use app-based cars or private hire vehicles, and allow extra time for traffic when planning your day.

Local life & culture
Street life in Dhaka is vibrant, with roadside stalls, bookstores, and small workshops operating side by side. Different neighbourhoods each have their own character, from the heritage charm of Old Dhaka to the more contemporary feel of areas like Gulshan and Dhanmondi.

Where to unwind
When you need a break from the pace, head to lakes like Hatirjheel or Dhanmondi Lake, or spend time in Ramna Park’s shaded walkways. Early mornings and evenings are the most pleasant times for gentle walks, relaxed conversations, and people-watching.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
Dhaka is known for fragrant rice dishes, grilled meats, and snacks sold from bustling roadside stalls. Areas of Old Dhaka are especially famous for long-running eateries where family recipes have been served for generations.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In newer neighbourhoods such as Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi, you will find numerous cafés, bakeries, and casual restaurants. Menus often mix local flavours with regional and international influences, with portions that make it easy to share and sample different dishes.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, seek out rooftops or higher-floor restaurants that look over the city’s skyline and lakes. Dining by the water at Hatirjheel or along quieter streets in upscale districts can offer a calmer atmosphere to end your day.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in Dhaka bring together fashion, lifestyle brands, and dining under one roof. These air-conditioned spaces are convenient places to combine errands, meet friends, and enjoy a relaxed break from the busy streets outside.

Markets & local crafts
For a more local experience, visit established markets and shopping streets where you can find textiles, homeware, and everyday items. Districts such as New Market, Dhanmondi, and parts of Old Dhaka showcase smaller shops and stalls with a distinctly local feel.

Evening retail scene
As temperatures ease in the evening, shopping areas often become livelier, with more people browsing, meeting, and dining. Some markets and streets stay open late, and main roads serving these districts are generally well connected by rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, and car services.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Winter season (Shitkal, November to February, peak season)
During winter, Dhaka is pleasantly mild, with average temperatures around 18–25°C (64–77°F) and lower humidity. Clearer skies and cooler evenings make it a popular time for outdoor sightseeing, lakeside walks, and exploring the city on foot.

Pre-monsoon summer (Grishsho, March to May, shoulder season)
The pre-monsoon months are warm to hot, typically 25–34°C (77–93°F), with rising humidity and occasional thunderstorms. This season rewards you with longer daylight hours, lush greenery, and colourful sunsets over the city’s lakes and rivers.

Monsoon season (Borsha, June to October, low season)
Monsoon brings frequent rain showers, with temperatures usually 26–32°C (79–90°F) and a rich, green landscape. Showers are often intense but short, creating a distinctive atmosphere along the riverfront and offering a quieter time to experience the city.

Frequently Asked Questions