Item: Old Dhaka Tour
Rating: 5
Author: admin

Trip Facts

Duration:
1 day

Group Size:
4 Persons

Activity Level:
High

Accommodation:
NO Accommodation

Tour Type:
Sightseeing Tours

Transportation:
Air-conditioned vehicles, Rickshaw and Boat

Location:
Dhaka

Old Dhaka refers to the historic old city of Dhaka. In the old Dhaka tour package, you will explore the history of the city of Dhaka. The city name was previously spelled as Dacca before 1982 which was an urban settlement dating back to the 7th century on the banks of the Buriganga River (Old Ganges) and now is the most vibrant and chaotic place in the Dhaka Metropolitan Area. The main key attractions are Sadarghat (Main river terminal), Ahsan Manzil (Pink Place), Islampur Cloth Market (the biggest cloth market in Bangladesh), Shakhari Bazaar (conch musical instrument makers), Armenian Church, Star Mosque, Lalbagh Fort, Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque, Dhakeswari Temple, and National Parliament Building in new Dhaka. The most interesting Activities are a Boat Ride on the Buriganga River and a Rikshaw Ride throughout the Buggiest and Narrowest streets.

All of these places are recommended by various travel books and websites like Lonely Planet and TripAdvisor. If you do this tour you will experience Bangladeshi Culture, heritage, daily life activities, and finally the big hustle and bustle of Dhaka.

Highlights

Itinerary

Price

Includes & Excludes

Trip Notes

Review

Overview

Boat ride on Buriganga River
All famous and historic sites of Old and New Dhaka
Rickshaw ride through the narrowest lane
Interacting with local people
Discover yourself through the hustle and bustle of Dhaka city
Taste Bangladeshi traditional dishes
Enjoy a unique experience beyond your expectations

Itinerary

Day 1

08:00 – 08:00 AM

Pick up from your Hotel. Drive to Old Dhaka

Day 2

08:20 – 08:35 AM

Have a look at the National Parliament House (Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban) from the outside, which is the biggest legislative building in the world and was designed by American architect Louis Kahn. This building won the Fourth Aga Khan Award in 1989.

Day 3

09:15 – 10:10 AM

Sadarghat (main river terminal) is the main river station in Dhaka. This river port is mainly used by the southern people of Bangladesh and this is the cheapest and easiest way to travel from Dhaka to the southern part of our country close to the coastal area. All the passenger ferries (locally call launches) leave in the evening towards the greater Barisal Division.

Day 4

10:15 – 11:00 AM

Take a boat ride with a wooden pushing boat run by oar and you will see the vibrancy of the river which is full of activities. Peoples normally use these small wooden boats only to cross the river to avoid long-distance travel by land or bad traffic congestion.

Day 5

11:05 – 11:40 AM

Visit Ahsan Manzil (Pink Place), it has been designated as a Museum now but it was the residential place of the Nawab family.

Day 6

11:40 – 12:15 PM

Walk through Islampur Cloth Market and see the biggest cloth market in our country which is very famous for wholesale trading. Visit Shakhari Bazaar (conch musical instrument makers) this is one of the oldest areas in old Dhaka here you can find all types of conch shell staffs and other jewelry ornaments.

Day 7

12:15 – 01:00 PM

Lunch in a local restaurant (taste authentic Bangladeshi traditional dishes)

Day 8

01:05 – 02:10 PM

Take a Rickshaw and visit Armenian Church the Holy of Resurrection built in the 18th century by Armenian traders and visit Star Mosque (Tara Masjid) this is the most beautiful mosque in Old Dhaka, the mosque is decorated with thousands of motifs blue stars.

Day 9

02:10 – 02:30 PM

Visit Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque built in the Mughal period and the founder of the mosque who may have been the architect himself.

Day 10

02:40 – 03:40 PM

Visit Lalbagh Fort (Fort Aurangabad) which is the main tourist attraction in Old Dhaka for local visitors as well as foreign tourists. This unfinished fort was built in the 17th century by Prince Azam who was the second son of Emperor Aurangzeb.

Day 11

04:00 – 04:30 PM

Visit Dhakeshwari Temple the oldest (built-in 12th century) and sacred Hindu temple in our country. This temple is the most significant as well because many historians believe that the name of Dhaka could have emerged after this temple. Now it’s the national temple of our country.

Day 12

04:30 – 05:30 PM

Drive back to your hotel and say goodbye. End the Old Dhaka Tour.

Overall Trip Rating

5 stars - Based on 17 reviews

Excellent

Very Good

Average

Poor

Terrible

Very knowledgeable and professional guide
Henrik Samdal (Oslo, Norway) January 4, 2020

Obaidul gave us a great tour of old Dhaka. He made a few adjustments in the itinerary to accommodate our wishes and generally gave us a good experience. He is very knowledgeable and eager to share a lot of information about the different peoples and religions of Bangladesh, as well as its history. Would definitely recommend this tour
Great Guide
Ms. Brenda Milum (California, USA) December 30, 2019

The is a revision of previous entry where an error was made in the overall rating. We only had 1 day in Dhaka, but Obaidul was able to show us a lot in a short time! He was very friendly, has excellent English and was a delight to be with. His driver was also very good. We definitely recommend him for any trip in Bangladesh!
Great tour of old Dhaka
Ms. Deborah Dausses (USA) December 10, 2019

A few friends went with Mr. Haque on a last minute tour of the Old Dhaka. Very good correspondence before tour. Very good tour with good English skills. There was much to see in a very short time. Had great Bangladeshi lunch at local restaurant. Would highly recommend a tour with Bangladesh Scenic Tours if you are interested in seeing Old Dhaka with a knowledgeable guide. Best of luck to you and your company.
Old Dhaka tour
Ms. Erin Ramey (USA) December 6, 2019

Had a great tour with Obaidul as our tour guide. An Old Dhaka tour with him is a must if you are planning to visit Bangladesh. Thank you again for a great day.
Best tour guide
Mr. Lenard W (London, United Kingdom) November 17, 2019

Obaidul was an incredibly knowledgeable guide! In the short time we had in Dhaka, we left feeling confident that we saw the best sights and were fully given the background behind it. He was friendly, personable, and a pleasure to see the sights with. The boat ride and rickshaw ride were very very enjoying. People are super friendly and want to take a selfie with us; Liton drove us nicely in such a chaotic city like Dhaka. We wish to come back again to see this beautiful country. 5 stars all around!
Recommended
Ms. Monica Ali (London, United Kingdom) November 9, 2019

Excellent guide - punctual, courteous and knowledgeable. Half day tour of Dhaka. Highly recommended
Best Tour Guide Ever!!!!
Ms. Leslie L (New York, USA) November 3, 2019

We contacted Obaidul about a private tour highlighting art, culture & history of Dhaka. Obaidul created a day private tour that went way beyond our expectations! We learned so much in what seemed like a short 6 hours and he made our trip to Dhaka very special. Obaidul’s depth of knowledge of Bangladesh is huge and his personality infectious. You won’t be disappointed if you book a tour with Obaidul!
Great tour in Old Dhaka!
Ms. Vipada Kaosala (Thailand) July 16, 2019

I spent an amazing day visiting old Dhaka with Obaidul. He's professional and polite and very knowledgeable about Bangladesh. I would recommend this tour to anyone!!
Excellent Tour
Mr. Gabby Moreno (Quezon City, Philippines) July 9, 2019

I would definitely go on this tour again. The tour was excellent especially with our tourist guide and now new friend Mr. Obaidul. He toured us around the city and was able to immerse us in Bangladesh’s rich history and culture. My favorite part of the tour was the rickshaw ride as we were able to roam the streets of Bangladesh safely whilst seeing how Bangladeshis go about with their lives. I would definitely recommend this tour to everyone visiting Bangladesh. 10/10!
Understand Bangladesh
Mr. Hans Samuelsson (Barcelona, Spain)) March 23, 2019

When looking for a guide in Dhaka I was not only looking for some with knowledge being professional but also have the right enthusiasm. This way I got in touch with Bangladesh Scenic Tours and I was not disappointed. Take a one day tour in Dhaka I have seen the most important landmark however more important I have met the people of Bangladesh, I have a much better understanding how the people are thinking and I now know a lot about the history and present Bangladesh. Bangladesh Scenic Tours are not only a knowledgeable they are also genuinely interested in their country, are proud of being a Bangladeshis, understand how much Bangladesh has to offer its visitors and are enthusiastically promoting this to their guests. That’s why I can highly recommend them for any traveler to Bangladesh and I have started to plan for my next visit to see other parts of the country with them as my guide
Amazing Dhaka
Mr. Muhammad Firdaus (Malaysia) December 3, 2018

Went there with my wife in December. We didnt know much about Bangladesh & Dhaka particularly until we met Obaidul. He is a very talented & knowledgeable tour guide. From Sadarghat River Station to the Pink Palace, from Armenian Church to the Star Mosque. Then we stopped by the Haji Nanna Biriani for lunch and the food was very very tasty & delicious. Then we continued our journey to Khan Mohammed Mosque, Lalbagh Fort and lastly the Parliament Building. It was an unforgettable experience full of adventures and Obaidul has made our trip even more wonderful. We would recommend Bangladesh Scenic Tours Dhaka lead by Obaidul to everyone who wants to explore more about this beautiful city. Service is very good and it makes you want to come again & explore more about the country, the people, the culture & the food of Dhaka & Bangladesh. Kudos to Brother Obaidul for his great excellency & hospitality!
Fantastic Introduction to Dhaka
Mr. Terrence Gray (New York, USA) October 6, 2018

Obaidul picked me up at my hotel and we set out for a day fun, adventure and good food. We had a great driver who took us around this large and diverse city and Obaidul was never at a loss for a story and/or anecdote on the history of the places we visited. The rickshaw ride through Old Dhaka shows you some real insights but hold on as it is a bumpy ride but well worth it. The mutton biryani lunch at the Star was delicious and a must stop during your trip. Finally the boat trip was a wonderful way to see the city and relax a bit. Thank you Obaidul for a fun and insightful day. I hope to see more of Bangladesh in the future with you.
Awesome visit
Ms. Yin-Yin (Los Angeles, USA) September 21, 2018

Had so much fun touring Dhaka with this group. Highly recommend. We did a day tour and I was paired with another solo traveler. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable and the tour went so smoothly.
Excellent guide
Mr. David (UK) June 13, 2018

A knowledgeable and experienced guide with great experience. I felt comfortable throughout. Recommend visiting Bangladesh with a guide, it can be overwhelming!
Excellent Tour
Mr. Patrick Davies (London, UK) June 5, 2018

Obaidul picked me up from my hotel and we spent the day exploring the old city. Transport was by car, rickshaw & boat and all were uniquely different. From the Pink Palace to the Armenian Church and the Star Mosque and those narrow lane ways showed a glimpse of the real Dhaka. Lunch was also brilliant. Obaidul was very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. I would thoroughly recommend taking a tour with Bangladesh Scenic Tours.
Excellent guidance in an overwhelming city.
Mr. Peter Broer (Amsterdam, Netherlands) May 9, 2018

For years i had the intention to visit Bangladesh and Dhaka in particular. This capital city is so big and when your time is limited only an excellent guide and tour can give you a good impression of this city. I strongly recommend Bangladesh Scenic Tours.
Great tour!!!!
Ms. Edith (Barcelona, Spain) May 3, 2018

I went to Dhaka in a business trip and during a day off I wanted to see as much as possible. Obaidul picked me up at the hotel I the morning on time in a comfortable car with a/c. We first went to the market which is worth to visit. Afterwards we did a boat ride to see all the activity that takes place in the river and some monuments that you can see from the boat. Later on we took a rickshaw through the old town. Then we had a nice traditional lunch with chicken biryani, mutton rice and naan bread. In the afternoon we went to the parliament and the university The tour was well organised and our guide Obaidul was a great host. If I ever go back again I’ll call him again