Do I need a permit to visit the Chittagong Hill Tracts?

Yes, foreign tourists require a permit from the District Commissioner's office in Rangamati, Bandarban, or Khagrachhari. Apply through a registered tour operator for smoother processing.

What is the best way to reach St. Martin's Island?

Take a bus or car from Cox's Bazar to Teknaf, then a ferry (approx 2-3 hours). Ferries operate daily during tourist season (October-April); check schedules in advance.

Is Chittagong Division safe for solo female travelers?

Generally safe with precautions. Dress conservatively, avoid isolated areas at night, use reputable transportation, and consider joining group tours for hill treks. Stay in well-reviewed accommodations.

What local dishes should I try?

Don't miss Mezban (spicy beef curry), Kala Bhuna (spiced beef), fresh seafood in Cox's Bazar, bamboo shoot dishes in Hill Tracts, and Chittagong's special biryani.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Major hotels, restaurants, and shops in Chittagong city and Cox's Bazar accept cards, but carry ample cash (Bangladeshi Taka) for rural areas, markets, and transportation.

Most nationalities require a visa; e-Visa available for some. Check with the nearest Bangladesh embassy.

What currency is used?

Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). ATMs are common in the city, but carry cash for rural areas.

Is English widely spoken?

English is spoken in hotels and tourist areas, but not widely elsewhere. Learn a few Bengali phrases.

What is the local cuisine like?

Rice and fish are staples. Try 'Hilsa' fish curry, 'Beef Bhuna', and 'Panta Bhat' (fermented rice). Street food includes 'Fuchka' and 'Chotpoti'.

Can I drink tap water?

No, stick to bottled or boiled water to avoid stomach issues.

Light cotton clothes for summer, a jacket for winter, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a power bank (frequent power cuts).

Are credit cards accepted?

Only in upscale hotels and restaurants; cash is king elsewhere.

Is it safe for solo female travelers?

Generally safe but exercise caution. Dress modestly, avoid isolated areas at night, and use reputable transport.

What is the tipping etiquette?

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. 5-10% in restaurants, small tips for porters and drivers.

Can I visit the hill tracts?

Yes, but some areas require permits for foreigners. Arrange through a local tour operator.

What is the internet connectivity like?

Good in the city with 4G coverage. Many cafes and hotels offer free WiFi.

Are there any cultural taboos?

Avoid showing the soles of your feet, pointing with your finger, or using your left hand for eating or giving items.

Chittagong

DivisionBangladesh, Asia

Chittagong is a STATE in Bangladesh, Asia.

Chittagong Division, Bangladesh's southeastern gateway, offers a breathtaking blend of lush hills, vibrant port cities, and serene coastal beauty. As the country's commercial heart, Chittagong city pulses with energy around its massive natural harbor, while the surrounding region reveals stunning natural escapes. Travelers are drawn to the world's longest natural sea beach at Cox's Bazar, a 120-kilometer stretch of sand perfect for sunrise walks and beachside relaxation. Inland, the Chittagong Hill Tracts present a dramatically different landscape of forested hills, indigenous communities, and tranquil lakes like Kaptai. The region's cultural tapestry is rich, from the bustling lanes of Chittagong's Anderkilla and Sadarghat areas to the Buddhist monasteries of Rangamati and Bandarban. Adventure seekers can trek through Sangu River valleys, visit the remote St. Martin's Island coral reef, or explore the historic Portuguese settlement at Patherghata. Chittagong's unique appeal lies in its contrasts—where ancient maritime traditions meet hill tribe cultures, and bustling urban centers give way to some of Asia's most pristine natural landscapes.

Best time to visit Chittagong

November to February (cool, dry winter) for pleasant beach weather and hill trekking. March to April (spring) offers blooming landscapes but increasing heat. Avoid June to September (monsoon) due to heavy rains, flooding, and potential cyclones. December festivals like Biju (Chakma New Year) add cultural vibrancy.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Post-monsoon, 23-31°C

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

Pleasant evenings

Know before you go

Getting there

CGP

Shah Amanat International Airport

International

20 km away

CXB

Cox's Bazar Airport

Domestic

150 km away

Getting around

"CNG auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are common for short trips. Use ride-hailing apps like Pathao or Uber in Chittagong city. Local buses connect major towns but can be crowded. For Hill Tracts, hire private cars with drivers. Domestic flights operate from Shah Amanat International Airport to Cox's Bazar and Dhaka. Ferry services available to islands like Sandwip and St. Martin's. Train routes connect Chittagong to Dhaka and Sylhet. Motorbikes can be rented in tourist areas like Cox's Bazar."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

15 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available in hotels and cafes in the city

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $3

Calling code

+880

Stay safe

Overall

7/10

Petty crime exists but violent crime is rare. Stay alert in crowded areas.

Night safety

6/10

Petty crime exists but violent crime is rare. Stay alert in crowded areas.

Transport

8/10

Scam risk

5/10

"Exercise caution in crowded areas like markets and transport hubs due to pickpocketing. Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps. Avoid travel to remote areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts without proper permits and local guides due to occasional unrest. Be respectful when photographing people, especially in indigenous communities. Scams include overcharging tourists, fake tour guides, and inflated prices—negotiate firmly. Coastal areas may have strong currents; swim only at designated safe beaches. Political demonstrations can occur; avoid large gatherings."

Police

999

Ambulance

199

Fire

199

Tourist Police

+880-2-8360249

Fire Service

199

Entry and health

Health information

"Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Japanese Encephalitis (for rural/hill areas), and routine vaccines. Malaria prophylaxis advised for Hill Tracts. Drink only bottled or boiled water. Avoid street food if sensitive. Quality medical facilities are limited outside Chittagong city. Major hospitals: Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Imperial Hospital, Apollo Hospitals Dhaka (nearest advanced care). Carry diarrhea medication and insect repellent. Air pollution can be high in urban areas."

Culture

Local customs

"Dress modestly, especially outside tourist areas—cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering homes and religious sites. Use right hand for eating and giving/receiving items. Tipping not mandatory but appreciated (5-10% in restaurants, small amounts for services). Respect religious practices during Ramadan. Seek permission before photographing people, particularly in indigenous villages. Greet with 'Assalamu Alaikum' (Muslim majority) or 'Nomoskar' (general). Avoid public displays of affection."

Bengali (Bangla)Chittagonian dialectEnglishIndigenous languages (Chakma, Marma, Tripura)

Costs and practicals

Currency

Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) · ৳

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$2-5 | a cheap local meal costs around $2-5

Hotels

$15-40 | budget hotels range $15-40/night

Local transport

$0.50 | local bus ride ~$0.50

Cost notes

Chittagong is very affordable for budget travelers; mid-range options available.

Timezone

Asia/Dhaka +06:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

33,200,000

Area

33,908 km²

Government

Divisional Commissioner-led administrative division with districts and local councils

ISO code

BD-84

Type

Division

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Chattogram, Чытагонг, تشىيتتاگونگ, چیتاگونگ, Chittagong, Cittagong, ಚಟ್ಟಗ್ರಾಮ, சிட்டகொங், ইসলামাবাদ, چٹاگانگ, Chottogam, チッタゴン, चट्टोग्राम, Читагонг, Читтагонг, شيتاغونغ, چٹگاؤں, اسلام آباد, 치타공, चट्टग्राम, Τσιταγκόνγκ, Islamabad, চট্টগ্রাম, 吉大港市, צ'יטגונג, إسلام آباد, ചിറ്റഗോങ്, CGP, Cattagram, Caṭṭagrām, Cetagons, Chitagong, Chittagong Ghat, Chottogram, Chytagong, Chôţţogram, Citagaon, Citagong, Citagonga, Citagongas, Citagongo, Cittaqonq, Cottogram, Csittagong, Tsitankon'nk, catagamva, catagrama, catimoግraም, cattagrama, chitagong, chittagon, chytagwng, chټgram, cirragean, cit ta kxng, citagonga, cittagang, cittagonga, cittakon, ji da gang, ji da gang shi, shytaghwngh, shytajwnj, zytgwng, Çitagong, Çittaqonq, Ćottogram, Ĉitagongo, Čattagrám, Čitagonga, Čitagongas, Čitágáon, Čėtagons, Чаттограм, Читтаґонґ, טשיטאגאנג, ציטגונג, شيتاجونج, چټگرام, चटगाँव, चिटागोंग, ਚੱਟਗ੍ਰਾਮ, ચિત્તાગોંગ, చిట్టగాంగ్, ಚಿತ್ತಗಾಂಗ್, จิตตะกอง, စစ်တကောင်းမြို့, ჩიტაგონგი, ቻትሞግራም, 吉大港

Capital CityMajor HubPort CityHistoric SitesHill TractsBeachesCultural DiversitySeafood