Explore the rolling tea plantations of Sreemangal and taste its famous seven-layer tea
Visit Khasia, Monipuri, and Garo villages to engage with tribal communities and their traditions
Discover Dhaka’s bustling bazaars, colonial architecture, and Mughal landmarks
Sail to Maheshkhali Island to visit the Adinath Temple and meet the Rakhain Buddhist community
Experience Barisal’s floating vegetable market and riverside pottery-making villages
Cruise deep into the Sundarbans mangroves in search of the Bengal tiger and other rare wildlife
Discover Bangladesh, one of Asia’s least-explored treasures, where rivers carve endless waterways through emerald rice fields and villages steeped in tradition.
Begin in the energetic capital of Dhaka, where Mughal palaces, colonial relics and rickshaw-clogged streets reveal a city of contrasts. Journey to the coast at Cox’s Bazar and walk along the world’s longest natural beach, framed by Himchori’s forested hills and Inani’s coral-strewn shoreline. Cross the bay to Maheshkhali Island, home to the hilltop Adinath Temple and the Rakhain Buddhist community.
In Sreemangal, wander rolling tea gardens and sample the region’s famous seven-layer tea. Visit Monipuri, Garo and Khasia villages to learn about tribal traditions and livelihoods, then continue to Sonargaon, the former capital of Bengal, where ancient merchant streets and folk art museums showcase the region’s layered past. In Barisal, drift through one of the world’s last floating vegetable markets and witness riverside pottery-making that has remained unchanged for centuries.
Finally, board a private vessel and explore the Sundarbans, the world’s largest tidal mangrove forest and home to the elusive Bengal tiger. Walk jungle trails, climb watchtowers for sweeping views, and glimpse wildlife from silent country boats before stepping ashore at UNESCO-listed Bagerhat, with its Sixty Dome Mosque and terracotta temples. This is travel that is raw, eye-opening and deeply human, a journey into a land of warmth, contrast and living heritage.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Signature Tour 
Welcome to Bangladesh. Defined by rivers, history and resilience, this journey introduces you to a country few travellers truly know. From Dhaka’s chaotic streets to quiet forest villages, prepare for a raw and revealing experience.
Arrive in Dhaka, the Bangladeshi capital, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax.
Optional visits (subject to arrival time) include the National Museum (closed Thursdays and Friday mornings), with its collection of sculptures, paintings and ancient artefacts, or the Liberation War Museum (closed Sundays), documenting the 1971 war of independence. Time permitting, view the striking National Parliament Complex from outside. Designed by Louis I. Kahn and completed in 1982, it remains one of South Asia’s most significant modernist structures.
Dhaka is a city of contrasts – chaotic yet compelling. Ornate mosques and crumbling colonial facades line streets buzzing with rickshaws, while conch shell artisans and food vendors fill the alleys of Old Dhaka with sound and scent.
Overnight – Crowne Plaza or similar
Depart Dhaka this morning for the full-day drive to Chattogram, stopping enroute to explore the archaeological zone of Mainamati in Cumilla.
Visit Salban Vihara, one of the most significant Buddhist monastic sites in Bangladesh. Dating from the 8th to 12th centuries, this site, along with Rupban Mura and Itakhola Mura, was part of a cultural and spiritual hub under the Chandra and Deva dynasties. The surrounding archaeological museum holds an impressive collection of terracotta plaques, votive stupas, and bronze and black stone sculptures.
Continue to the Jagannath Temple, also known as Sateroratna Mandir (Seventeen Jewel Temple), built in the early 18th century by the Tripura King Ratna Manikya II. Although its iconic towers have been damaged, the Bengal-style terracotta façade remains an outstanding example of regional temple architecture.
Time permitting, stop at local workshops near Kumira where recycled ship-breaking steel is repurposed into everyday tools and crafts. (Note: visits to the shipbreaking yards themselves are not permitted.) (B)
Overnight – Radisson Blu Hotel or similar
Begin the day with a visit to the 17th-century Andarkilla Shahi Jame Masjid. Built in 1667 under Mughal command by Umed Khan, son of Nawab Shaista Khan, this hilltop mosque marked the Mughal victory over Arakanese and Portuguese forces. It later served as a British munitions store before being returned to religious use in 1855 through local petition.
Continue to the Chattogram War Cemetery, established by the British Army to honour Commonwealth soldiers who died on the Indo-Burma front during WWII. Now containing 731 graves, including those of Australian, British, Canadian, African, Indian and New Zealand soldiers, the cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth Graves Commission. In the afternoon, drive along the coast to Cox’s Bazar. (B)
Overnight – Dera Resort or similar
Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure, with time to explore the longest natural beach in the world or simply unwind.
In the afternoon, drive south to Himchori National Park. Established in 1980, the park is known for its scenic waterfall, forested hills and birdlife. Over 280 bird species have been recorded here, along with diverse flora including native trees, grasses, and shrubs.
Stop for lunch at a local Bengali restaurant before continuing to Inani Beach, where coral and rock formations stretch along the shoreline. During the monsoon season, the green hue of the living coral is particularly striking. Stay to watch the sunset over the Bay of Bengal. (B,L)
Overnight – Dera Resort or similar
This morning, cross the bay by speedboat to visit Maheshkhali Island. Forested hills and pockets of mangrove line the shores of this quiet island. Explore the hilltop Adinath Temple and the nearby Rakhain village, home to a vibrant Buddhist temple and community.
Return to Cox’s Bazar and transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Dhaka.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (B)
Overnight – Crowne Plaza or similar
Today’s exploration focuses on Old Dhaka – a district rich in Mughal heritage, religious landmarks and vibrant street life. Begin with a walking tour through Shankhari Bazaar, one of Dhaka’s oldest neighbourhoods. This narrow, bustling lane is home to the Shankhari community, artisans known for crafting conch shell bangles traditionally worn by Hindu married women. Colonial-era buildings line the street, and the air is filled with the aromas of Old Dhaka’s famed street food.
Continue to Northbrook Hall, also known as Lalkuthi (Red House), an 1879 riverside structure built in honour of Lord Northbrook, then Viceroy of India. Once a telegram office and later a women’s college, it now belongs to the Dhaka Municipality.
Visit the busy Sadarghat riverfront, where ferries and wooden boats ply the Buriganga River – once a vital transport hub, now quieter since the opening of the Padma Bridge. Key historical landmarks include Ahsan Manzil, the former palace of the Nawab of Dhaka; the Armenian Church, built in 1781 and a reminder of the city’s once-flourishing Armenian merchant community; Star Mosque, with its ornate decoration; the incomplete Mughal-era Lalbagh Fort; Curzon Hall, part of Dhaka University and named after British Viceroy Lord Curzon; and Dhakeswari Temple, the national Hindu temple of Bangladesh, believed by some to have given the city its name.
In the evening, there is the option to browse Aarong, a well-known outlet for local handicrafts. (B)
Overnight – Crowne Plaza or similar
Depart Dhaka this morning and travel northeast towards Sreemangal, stopping en route in Rupshi village to witness the intricate craft of Jamdani weaving. This centuries-old textile tradition, once linked to the legendary muslin trade, is known for its delicate motifs woven by hand without any mechanical aids or drawn patterns. Each design exists only in the weaver’s memory, with the process requiring intense skill and concentration.
Continue along the Asian Highway through fertile cropland, roadside markets and forested villages inhabited by both indigenous communities and local farmers. The changing landscape offers a glimpse into the rural rhythms of Bangladeshi life.
Later in the afternoon, visit the Monipuri village market. Here, tribal women showcase colourful handmade textiles and crafts. End the day with a visit to a local tea stall to sample Sreemangal’s famous seven-layer tea and engage in casual conversation with locals. (B)
Overnight – Grand Sultan Resort or similar
After breakfast, set out to explore Lawachara National Park, one of Bangladesh’s richest rainforest ecosystems. This protected forest is home to rare species including the Hoolock gibbon, capped langurs, slow lorises, and several types of macaques. The forest also hosts more than 280 species of birds and a stunning variety of butterflies, some with wingspans reaching up to 20 centimetres. A forest trail leads to a nearby Khasia village, where you can observe traditional lifestyles and cultivation practices in a remote community setting.
In the afternoon, visit a Garo tribal village to learn about the community’s ancestral customs, or head to a pottery village where artisans continue to handcraft clay pots using age-old techniques. You may even have the chance to try shaping one yourself.
Time permitting, stop at Madhabpur Lake. Surrounded by forested hills and blanketed with lilies, this tranquil reservoir offers a peaceful setting to watch the sun set before returning to town. (B)
Overnight – Grand Sultan Resort or similar
Begin the day with a peaceful walk through Sreemangal’s tea estates. Watch local women plucking leaves in the early light and take time to speak with them about their work. You’re welcome to try your hand at tea picking – a simple but rewarding experience.
Later, depart for Sonargaon, the former capital of Bengal during the Turkish Sultanate period. Dating back to the late 13th century, Sonargaon served as an important administrative, commercial and maritime centre and was a seat of power for rulers including Sultan Fakhruddin Mubarak Shah and Isa Khan. Historic travellers such as Ibn Battuta and Niccolò de’ Conti described it as a thriving centre of trade and commerce.
Visit the Folk-Art Museum, founded in 1975 by celebrated Bangladeshi artist Joynul Abedin. The museum showcases Bengal’s rural crafts and traditions and includes the historic Boro Sardar Bari, offering an insight into the region’s cultural and artistic heritage.
Continue to Panam Nagar, a once-thriving merchant settlement now known as the Dead City. More than 50 historic buildings line its atmospheric main street, reflecting the fading legacy of Bengal’s wealthy merchant communities. Despite the effects of time and decay, Panam Nagar remains one of Bangladesh’s most significant historic sites and was included on the World Monuments Watch in 2006.
In the evening, continue to Dhaka for your overnight stay. (B)
Overnight – Crowne Plaza or similar
fter breakfast, leave the bustle of Dhaka behind and travel south to Barisal, a riverine city often referred to as the Venice of Bengal for its intricate network of waterways.
Before reaching your hotel, visit Lakutia Palace, a 17th-century estate built by Rup Chandra Roy in Lakhutia village, just outside Barisal. Set across an expansive estate, the complex includes the remains of the main palace along with several temples and other historic structures. Though time has taken its toll on the once-grand residence, its weathered architecture offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s zamindar heritage, while ongoing preservation efforts seek to protect the site for the future.
Continue to Barisal and settle into your hotel for the evening. (B)
Overnight – Grand Park Hotel or similar
Set off early this morning with a packed breakfast to explore Barisal’s famed floating vegetable market, one of the last remaining of its kind in the world. From a traditional wooden boat, glide through narrow canals as locals trade fresh produce directly from their vessels. Visit a riverside village where you can observe the complete cycle of traditional pottery-making – from raw clay collection to shaping, firing, and loading for distribution.
Continue overland to Mongla and board your privately chartered forest vessel to begin your journey into the Sundarbans. Designed for remote exploration, the boat features simple but comfortable cabins with shared facilities, an open-air viewing deck, and onboard dining. This mobile base will take you deep into one of the world’s most biodiverse mangrove forests.
The Sundarbans is the largest tidal mangrove forest on Earth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shared between Bangladesh and India, it forms part of the Ganges Delta and is shaped by the meeting of fresh and salt water. The unique ecosystem supports over 300 species of birds, fish, reptiles and mammals, including spotted deer, monkeys and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Marine life includes Ganges and Irrawaddy dolphins as well as finless porpoises.
In the evening, visit a remote village on the forest’s edge to meet locals and learn about their lives amid this fragile, powerful landscape. (B,D)
Overnight – Cruise boat in the Sundarbans
Wake to the calls of forest birds and the rhythmic sounds of the delta. Begin the day by exploring the narrow canals of the Sundarbans by small country boat. These silent journeys are ideal for birdwatching and offer a closer view of the mangrove ecosystem. Step ashore for a short forest walk near the Andarmanik area to observe wildlife along the jungle trails.
After lunch on board, sail south to Kotka, one of the most wildlife-rich regions of the forest. From here, you can climb a watchtower for panoramic views or join a guided hike through mangrove forest and open grassland. The walk leads to a remote beach where tiger tracks are sometimes seen in the sand, offering a rare insight into this elusive predator’s habitat. In the evening, enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner on deck under the stars. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Cruise boat in the Sundarbans
This morning, sail toward Kachikhali Island, also known as Tiger Point – a remote forest zone known for its high concentration of wildlife. Upon arrival, set off on a forest hike beneath the mangrove canopy, emerging into open grasslands where herds of spotted deer and wild boar graze. Keep an eye out – this is one of the best areas for spotting the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.
In the afternoon, visit Dimer Char and the forest stations at Harbaria or Karaljal. These sites offer additional opportunities to observe wildlife and understand the complexity of the mangrove ecosystem.
Cruise peacefully through the Sundarbans’ creeks and channels as you make your way back toward Mongla. Arrive in the late evening and remain on board for your final night in the forest. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Cruise boat in the Sundarbans
After breakfast on board, disembark and travel to Bagerhat, a historic city at the meeting point of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. Founded in the 15th century by Turkish general Ulug Khan Jahan, Bagerhat is famed for its dense collection of brick-built mosques and monuments, earning it the title of “Mosque City.”
Visit Kodla Math, an unusual terracotta Hindu temple located in the village of Ayudha. Unlike most temples in the subcontinent, its design is vertical and pyramid-like, following the Shikhara architectural style. The intricate façade decoration makes it a standout example of regional temple artistry.
Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sixty Dome Mosque, the largest historic mosque in
Bangladesh and an iconic symbol of medieval Islamic architecture in Bengal. Nearby, visit the shrine of Saint Khan Jahan Ali, where local legend and religious devotion meet – crocodiles in the adjacent pond are said to be sacred. In the afternoon, drive back to Dhaka. (B)
Overnight – Crowne Plaza or similar
After breakfast, transfer to Dhaka International Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
Travel professionals are welcome. For partnerships or agent enquiries, we recommend contacting us directly.
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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