←Bangladesh travel guide
Khulna Division, Bangladesh
Khulna
Gateway to the world's largest mangrove wilderness
Nature & OutdoorsWildlife
Khulna is Bangladesh's third-largest city and the main departure point for boat expeditions into the Sundarbans, the vast mangrove delta that stretches south to the Bay of Bengal. The city's river-crisscrossed setting and lively launch ghats give a vivid introduction to Bangladesh's waterway culture before journeys deeper into the delta begin.
Check Bangladesh visa requirements →
Best time to visit
October to March
Region
Khulna Division
Main airport
Jessore Airport (JSR)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Khulna
UNESCO World HeritageNature
The Sundarbans
The Sundarbans is the largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world, covering roughly 10,000 square kilometres across the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers where they meet the Bay of Bengal. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the reserve is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, estuarine crocodiles, spotted deer, Irrawaddy dolphins, and more than 260 species of bird. Visitors explore its intricate network of tidal waterways and creeks by houseboat, often spotting wildlife from silent wooden rowboats at dawn.
UNESCO World Heritage
Wise
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Khulna
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Bangladesh
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Bangladesh page at Yoogo.
Bangladesh uses the Bangladeshi taka (BDT). Cash is the dominant payment method, particularly outside major hotels and upmarket restaurants in Dhaka; ATMs are available in cities but can be unreliable in rural areas, so carrying sufficient taka is advisable.
Bangladesh is generally safe for tourists in its main cities and tourist areas, with petty crime such as pickpocketing being the most common concern in crowded places. Road traffic poses a significant risk given the high rate of road accidents, so choosing reputable transport is worthwhile. Travellers should monitor official government advisories before and during their visit, as conditions can change.
Cycle rickshaws and CNG auto-rickshaws are the standard short-distance transport in cities and towns, while intercity buses and trains connect major destinations. Bangladesh's extensive river network is served by ferries and the iconic Rocket Steamer paddleboat, which runs between Dhaka and Khulna, offering a memorable way to experience the delta landscape.
The most comfortable time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are mild (around 15–25°C), humidity is low, and rainfall is minimal. The monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rain and flooding that can disrupt travel, while March to May can be very hot with temperatures exceeding 35°C.
The official language is Bengali (Bangla), spoken by the vast majority of the population. English is widely understood in Dhaka hotels, tourist sites, and among educated professionals, but knowledge of a few basic Bangla phrases is appreciated by locals in smaller towns and rural areas.
Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus vaccinations are routinely recommended for travellers, and malaria prophylaxis may be advised for those visiting rural or forested regions. Travellers arriving from yellow fever risk countries are required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination. Drinking only bottled or purified water and taking precautions against mosquito bites are important health measures throughout the country.
Tipping is not a deeply embedded custom in Bangladesh and is not expected at local restaurants or markets. In tourist-facing establishments such as hotels and tour operations, a small tip of 5–10 per cent for good service is appreciated but entirely discretionary. Cash tips in small taka notes are the most practical option.