Flights from Siem Reap (SAI) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a lively South Asian megacity where rivers, rickshaws, and modern towers meet. You will find energetic streets, colourful neighbourhoods, and a creative scene that blends historic architecture with contemporary art and fashion.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Buriganga and other waterways, with Old Dhaka offering narrow lanes, heritage buildings, and bustling riverfronts, while newer districts feature offices, cafés, and lakeside promenades. Expect busy traffic, a fast pace, and warm hospitality in everyday encounters.

Plan your trip
Dhaka works well as both a stand-alone city break and a gateway to wider Bangladesh, including river deltas, tea estates, and coastal areas. With flights via Singapore, you can connect smoothly from Siem Reap and continue onwards through a well-linked regional aviation hub.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this 17th-century Mughal complex with its gardens, gateways, and elegant marble structures overlooking the old city.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the pink former palace on the Buriganga River, now a museum sharing the story of Dhaka's urban and trading past.

Sadarghat Riverfront

Watch ferries, launches, and boats criss-cross the busy harbour for a vivid view of Dhaka's life on the water.

National Parliament House Area

Admire the striking modernist architecture of the parliament complex and stroll around its surrounding lakes and open spaces.

Hatirjheel Lake

Enjoy a walk or boat ride along this illuminated lake development, popular in the evenings for its bridges and waterfront views.

Curzon Hall and University Area

Wander through historic academic buildings and green lawns in one of the city's most atmospheric institutional districts.

New Market

Browse a maze of stalls selling clothing, books, fabrics, and everyday items in a classic Dhaka shopping landmark.

Experience Dhaka's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Rickshaws remain one of the most distinctive ways to travel shorter distances, especially in inner neighbourhoods. For longer trips, you can combine ride-hailing services and taxis with local buses or metro lines where available, then explore on foot to take in the detail of each district.

Local life & culture
Dhaka's streets are full of small workshops, bookshops, and teahouses where people gather throughout the day. In Old Dhaka, traditional businesses share space with contemporary studios and galleries, while newer areas showcase modern cafés, cultural centres, and regular events celebrating crafts and performance.

Where to unwind
Lakeside promenades and urban parks offer space to pause amid the city's energy. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for walks when temperatures are more comfortable, and you can join residents enjoying light exercise, casual games, or simply sitting by the water.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
Street-side vendors and small eateries serve flavourful rice dishes, breads, and snacks, often enjoyed with fragrant teas. Areas of Old Dhaka are known for long-established stalls where recipes have been refined over generations.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across newer districts you will find a mix of local and international restaurants, many clustered in commercial buildings and compact hubs. Menus often encourage sharing, so you can try several dishes with friends or family during one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, consider restaurants overlooking lakes, rooftops with skyline views, or venues set in restored historic buildings. These settings pair thoughtful menus with a calm atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed evening after a day of exploring the city.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in Dhaka bring together international labels, local fashion brands, and lifestyle outlets under one roof. Many also feature food courts and entertainment options, making them convenient meeting spots in busy neighbourhoods.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller streets are good places to look for textiles, clothing, and handcrafted goods. Areas such as New Market, Gausia, and parts of Old Dhaka showcase a wide range of stalls and workshops.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopfronts and late-opening malls keep several districts lively into the evening. Night-time browsing is popular thanks to cooler temperatures, and public transport and ride-hailing services help you move easily between key shopping areas.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Shital winter (cool, dry months; peak season)
From November to February, Dhaka enjoys cooler, drier weather, with average temperatures around 18–25°C (64–77°F). Clear skies and lower humidity make it comfortable for walking tours, riverfront visits, and exploring neighbourhoods throughout the day.

Grishsho summer (hot, humid months; shoulder season)
March to June brings warmer conditions, with temperatures often between 26–34°C (79–93°F). The longer daylight hours are well suited to slower sightseeing, with breaks in shaded parks, lakeside areas, and air-conditioned galleries or malls.

Barsha monsoon (rainy season; low season)
From July to early October, showers and occasional heavier rain refresh the city, with temperatures around 27–31°C (81–88°F). This is a vivid time to experience Dhaka's river life and greener parks, while planning indoor activities when rain clouds build.

Frequently Asked Questions