Flights from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a dynamic megacity where historic quarters, riverside life, and modern districts sit side by side. You will find energetic streets, colourful rickshaws, and a sense of momentum that makes every walk in the city feel vivid and memorable.

What to expect
The city centres on the Buriganga River, with Old Dhaka offering narrow alleys, historic architecture, and bustling river terminals, while newer areas like Gulshan and Banani feature wider roads, lakes, and contemporary buildings. Expect busy traffic, friendly interactions, and a city that truly rewards patience and curiosity.

Plan your trip
Dhaka works well as both a standalone destination and a gateway to the wider country, including river landscapes and greener regional cities. With international connections and a growing range of hotels, it is an increasingly practical base for combining business, cultural exploration, and onward journeys.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this 17th-century Mughal riverside complex, known for its gardens, gateways, and impressive architecture amid the bustle of Old Dhaka.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the distinctive pink palace on the banks of the Buriganga River and learn about the life of Dhaka’s former elite.

National Parliament House area

Admire the striking modernist parliament complex from the surrounding parks and lakes in one of the city’s most distinctive districts.

Sadarghat Riverfront

Watch ferries and wooden boats glide in and out of the terminal, capturing the energy of Dhaka’s river-based daily life.

Liberation War Museum

Gain insight into Bangladesh’s modern history through well-curated exhibits housed in a contemporary museum building.

Gulshan and Banani Lakes

Stroll or sit by these central lakes, where modern cafés and shops frame a calmer side of Dhaka life.

Curzon Hall and Dhaka University area

Wander among historic academic buildings, leafy paths, and student-filled streets in one of the city’s most atmospheric quarters.

Experience Dhaka’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Rickshaws, ride-hailing cars, and buses are common ways to move around Dhaka, each giving a different view of city life. For longer journeys, consider using car services, and for the last stretch, rickshaws can help you navigate narrower streets efficiently.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Dhaka plays out on the streets, from riverside jetties to busy market lanes and university boulevards. Neighbourhoods like Old Dhaka feel compact and intense, while areas such as Gulshan are more spacious, with cafés and parks where people meet and unwind.

Where to unwind
Green pockets and lakeside paths offer welcome breaks from the city’s pace. Visit parks around the National Parliament House, or walk near Gulshan and Dhanmondi lakes in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light softens and the air feels more comfortable.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
Dhaka’s food stalls and small eateries serve rich rice-based meals, grilled snacks, and sweet treats that reflect long-standing culinary traditions. Old Dhaka’s lanes are especially known for dense clusters of food vendors where you can sample flavours in a lively setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In districts such as Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi you will find a mix of cafés, bakeries, and family-friendly restaurants. Menus often blend local recipes with regional and international influences, and sharing several smaller dishes is a relaxed way to try a wider variety.

Signature & scenic dining
For a different perspective, choose restaurants in upper floors of modern buildings or beside lakes, where large windows frame the city lights. Some venues in central business and diplomatic areas pair considered interiors with thoughtful menus to create a more memorable evening out.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Dhaka’s larger shopping centres combine international labels, local fashion, and everyday services under one roof. They serve as social spaces as much as retail hubs, with food courts and cafés where you can pause between browsing and meeting friends or colleagues.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller commercial streets are ideal for discovering textiles, handicrafts, and locally designed pieces. Areas around New Market, Bashundhara, and Dhanmondi are popular for clothing and household items, while select craft outlets showcase handwoven fabrics and decorative objects.

Evening retail scene
As the day cools, illuminated shopfronts and market stalls draw steady crowds in busy districts. You can explore main streets where boutiques stay open into the evening, then rely on taxis, ride-hailing services, or organised transport to return comfortably to your hotel.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Shitkal (cool, dry season – November to February, shoulder season)
During Shitkal, days are mild, with average temperatures around 18–25°C (64–77°F) and lower humidity. Clearer skies and more comfortable evenings make this a pleasant time for walking tours, riverfront visits, and exploring different neighbourhoods.

Grishmo (hot season – March to June, peak season)
Grishmo brings warmer weather, with temperatures typically 28–35°C (82–95°F) and a humid feel. This period suits travellers who plan shorter outdoor excursions, interspersed with visits to air-conditioned museums, malls, and cafés to balance the heat.

Borsha (monsoon season – July to October, low season)
Borsha is characterised by frequent showers, lush greenery, and temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F). Rain often comes in bursts, leaving cooler intervals that can be ideal for enjoying Dhaka’s lakes, parks, and quieter streets between downpours.

Frequently Asked Questions