Flights from Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a lively riverside city where history and modern life sit side by side, from narrow lanes filled with rickshaws to new districts of glass-fronted towers. You will find layered stories in its architecture, crafts, and waterways, as well as a friendly, energetic pace of life.

What to expect
The city spreads along the Buriganga River, with Old Dhaka known for its heritage buildings, bustling streets, and atmospheric riverfront. Newer areas such as Gulshan and Banani offer wider roads, lakeside paths, and contemporary cafés, giving you a different view of the city within a short drive.

Plan your trip
Dhaka is a rewarding base for exploring wider Bangladesh, whether you are heading towards tea gardens, river towns, or coastal landscapes. With a growing hotel scene and good local connections, it works well for both short stays and longer journeys, especially when you plan your movements to avoid the busiest traffic periods.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this historic Mughal-era complex with its gardens, gateways, and intricate architectural details in the heart of Old Dhaka.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the former riverside palace with its distinctive pink façade and learn about the history of Dhaka along the Buriganga.

Sadarghat Riverfront

Experience the busy river port where ferries, cargo boats, and small launches create one of the city’s most vivid scenes.

Bangladesh National Museum

Discover collections that trace the region’s art, archaeology, and cultural heritage across several floors of exhibits.

New Market

Browse stalls for clothing, fabrics, and everyday goods in one of Dhaka’s most established shopping areas.

Gulshan and Banani Lakes

Stroll along lakeside paths in these modern neighbourhoods, where you can combine light exercise with café stops.

Hatirjheel

Walk or take a short boat ride around this large urban lake, popular for its bridges, views, and evening lights.

Curzon Hall

Admire the striking red-brick architecture of this historic university building set within a leafy campus.

Experience Dhaka’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Rickshaws, taxis, and ride-hailing services are the most flexible ways to move between districts, especially for short hops and narrow streets. For longer journeys, plan around peak traffic times and use main arterial roads. Walking works best within individual neighbourhoods once you have arrived.

Local life & culture
Much of Dhaka’s character is found on its streets, from riverfront activity in Old Dhaka to the café culture of Gulshan and Banani. You will see small workshops, bookstalls, and busy junctions that show how the city works, along with green university campuses that offer quieter corners.

Where to unwind
Seek out lakeside promenades such as Hatirjheel or the Gulshan-Banani lake area for evening walks and sunset views. City parks and campuses provide shaded spaces to pause during the day. Early mornings and late afternoons are usually the most pleasant times to enjoy outdoor areas.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
Dhaka is known for hearty rice-based meals, fragrant biryanis, and a wide range of savoury snacks and sweets. Old Dhaka is especially famous for long-running eateries where you can sample rich, slow-cooked dishes and freshly prepared snacks from generations-old kitchens.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In areas such as Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi, you will find contemporary restaurants and cafés serving both local flavours and international favourites. Menus often feature shareable dishes, making it easy to try several items when dining with friends, colleagues, or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special setting, seek out rooftop restaurants that look over city lights or lakeside venues where you can dine with water views. Some hotels and standalone restaurants offer refined takes on traditional recipes, combining attentive service with a calm atmosphere away from the busiest streets.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Dhaka’s modern shopping centres combine international brands with local labels, food courts, and entertainment under one roof. Malls in areas like Gulshan and Dhanmondi offer air-conditioned comfort, clear layouts, and places to sit, making them convenient for relaxed browsing.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller shopping streets remain important for textiles, tailoring, and everyday goods. Areas such as New Market, Nilkhet, and parts of Old Dhaka are popular for fabrics, books, and local crafts, where you can look for distinctive designs and handmade items.

Evening retail scene
Many shopping districts stay lively into the evening, with illuminated shopfronts and street stalls adding to the atmosphere. Night-time is often a cooler, more comfortable time to explore markets or malls. Main roads and ride-hailing services make it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Dhaka

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

Grishma season (hot months; March to June, peak season)
Grishma brings hotter conditions, with temperatures often between 28–35°C (82–95°F). Days are bright and long, ideal for indoor attractions, leisurely lunches, and late-afternoon walks by the lakes or rivers when the city cools slightly and the light softens.

Barsha season (monsoon months; July to October, low season)
Barsha is characterised by warm, humid weather and regular showers, with average temperatures of 26–32°C (79–90°F). Rain clouds add drama to the skyline, and the city’s greenery feels especially lush, while indoor museums, galleries, and cafés offer comfortable retreats between showers.

Frequently Asked Questions