Chattogram is a city that rewards curiosity. One of the world’s busiest seaports with a population of over eight million people, this may seem like a typical South Asian industrial mega-city. But visitors who scratch the surface will uncover a long and rich backstory that dates back at least 2,000 years. Roman geographer Ptolemy mentioned Chattogram in the 2nd Century, and the city has welcomed many of history’s greatest explorers such as Ibn Battuta and Zheng He. All of which makes Chattogram a sparkling treasure trove of cultural heritage.
But what should you do if you have a few days in Chattogram?
Stroll to the Spectacular Seaport
With such a remarkable maritime history, any exploration of Chattogram should start at the seaport. Take an invigorating stroll and soak up the sights and sounds of Marine Drive. The thoroughfare is lined with small shops and food stalls, so pick up some local delicacies while gazing out over the vast shipping area and Bay of Bengal.
Then pay a visit to the Bangladesh Maritime Museum, which explains Chattogram’s place at the centre of regional and global trade. Then maybe it’s time to take a step back from this metropolis and experience a more traditional side of life...
Image Credit: Shoeb Faruquee
Head into the Hill Tracts
Driving east from the city, the roads rise and wind into the Chattogram Hill-Tracts. Close to the borders with India and Myanmar, this remote region is not only beautiful, with deep forests, rivers and waterfalls, it is also culturally diverse. Travelers can discover up to 11 different ethnic groups living together in harmony, as they have done for generations.
Learn more about these indigenous groups at the Tribal Cultural Museum or, for more immersive experience, visit the local villages, markets and Buddhist monasteries and temples, take a river cruise or eat at a locally-run restaurant. Guests can take a local bus from Chattogram, or a private car can be organized from Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View.
Image Credit: Shoeb Faruquee
Unwind on the Beach
For beach lovers, Bangladesh is a destination to look forward to. Cox’s Bazar is famed for its 120km-long, unbroken stretch of sandy beach. It takes just over four hours to reach from Chattogram, so it may not be possible for guests with limited time. Alternatively, Patenga Beach is just a 30 minutes’ drive from the Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View, while Parki Beach is less than an hour away.
Chill out on the sand, paddle in the warm water, play cricket with the ever-welcoming locals, or simply sit back and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. Pure bliss!
Image Credit: Shoeb Faruquee
Where to Stay: Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View is the city’s premier international hotel, just 10 minutes from the CBD and less than 45 minutes’ drive from Shah Amanat International Airport.
Image Credit: Shoeb Faruquee
