Flights To Chittagong Guide

Chittagong’s Shah Amanat International Airport is the gateway to the enchanting world of southeast Bangladesh. Catering to flights from around the globe, it connects travellers to a myriad of experiences in this culturally rich region. Alternative airport options include Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka, about 300 km away from Chittagong.

Flights from the UK to Chittagong take 10 to 12 hours, with at least one layover since direct flights are not facilitated for this route. Moreover, major air carriers that manage flights for this operation include British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Etihad Airways.

Woking Travel offers convenient transfer services from the airport to your accommodation. To book your transfer, please visit Transfers-Woking Travel.

Woking Travel can help you with reasonable bookings for hotels with holiday packages. Discover the charm of Chittagong with our selection of handpicked accommodations, from plush hotels to cosy guesthouses and unconventional stay options, each promising a unique experience.

1. The Royal Palms: Nestled in the heart of the city, The Royal Palms offers an unparalleled luxury experience with its world-class amenities, including a rooftop infinity pool, spa services, and gourmet dining options, boasting views of the bustling city below.
   
   
2. Chittagong Bayview Hotel: Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, this hotel provides an idyllic retreat with its elegant rooms, private beach access, and seafood restaurants. It is perfect for those seeking relaxation and culinary delights.
   
   
3. The Artisan House: A unique blend of art and hospitality, The Artisan House features individually designed rooms, each showcasing local art and craftsmanship. Its cosy café and on-site gallery make it a haven for creative souls.
   
   
4. Heritage Manor: Set in a restored colonial mansion, Heritage Manor offers a trip back in time with its vintage decor, antique furnishings, and traditional Bengali cuisine, providing an intimate glimpse into Chittagong’s rich history.
   
   
5. Green Leaf Inn: Ideal for travellers on a budget, Green Leaf Inn offers clean, comfortable rooms with essential amenities. Its excellent location and friendly staff make it a popular choice among backpackers and solo travellers.
   
   
6. City-Lite Guesthouse: Being centrally located, City-Lite Guesthouse provides guests with convenient access to the city’s main attractions. Providing cosy lodgings, City-Lite is a considerable option for travellers exploring Chittagong at a budget.
   
   
7. Hotel Agrabad: An incredible lodging option that offers comfortable rooms, all standard amenities, and a range of eating facilities. It’s famed for its central location and facilitates business travellers, as well.
   
   
   
8. Hotel Peninsula: Based in a prime area of Chittagong, this hotel puts forth exceptional customer service, upscale accommodation, a fitness centre, and a range of dining options.
    
9. The Grand Palace Hotel: This hotel, becoming well-known for its fine furnishings and lavish services, has spacious accommodations, a rooftop eatery with panoramas of the city, and an exclusive gathering area.
   
   
10. Hotel Tower Inn: This sleek hotel prioritises ease and luxury, with excellent rooms, a dining area, and a short drive distance to the city’s key sights.

Navigating through Chittagong’s traffic can be daunting for first-time travellers. Our guide to city transportation will help you choose the most convenient way to get around, from traditional rickshaws to modern ride-hailing services.

1. Rickshaws: Experience Chittagong like a local by travelling through its vibrant streets on a rickshaw. It’s an eco-friendly and culturally immersive way to get around.
2. Taxis: For utmost comfort and convenience for travellers, taxis are available throughout the city. They offer a hassle-free way to reach your destination, ideal for longer distances or when carrying luggage.
3. Local Buses: An economical option for adventurous travellers, local buses cover extensive routes across the city, providing a real taste of local life.
4. Ride-Hailing Services: Apps like Uber and Pathao make city travel seamless, offering secure and reliable rides with just a few taps on your smartphone.

With these transportation options, exploring Chittagong becomes an adventure, setting the stage for unforgettable experiences in this dynamic city.

When you touchdown from your flight to Chittagong, there’s a profusion of sights and sounds that await your discovery. Below are some of the unmissable stops in Chittagong that you need to visit:

1. Patenga Beach: Feel the sand between your toes as you watch the crimson sunset at Patenga Beach. This strip of sandy shore is a local favourite for weekend getaways.
   
   
2. Chandranath Hill: For breath-taking views of the Chittagong landscape, a hike to Chandranath Hill is a must. The hill is famous for the Chandranath Temple and is a sacred site for Hindu pilgrims.
   
   
3. Foy’s Lake: An artificial lake surrounded by rolling hills, Foy’s Lake provides the perfect setting for a day of picnicking, boating, or enjoying its serene ambiance.
   
   
4. Zia Memorial Museum: Step into the life of a revolutionary leader at the Zia Memorial Museum, showcasing the legacy of President Ziaur Rahman.
   
   
5. Ethnological Museum: A treasure trove of historical artifacts, the Ethnological Museum presents the diverse cultural heritage and tribal lifestyles prevalent in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
   
   
6. War Cemetery: A sombre reminder of the city’s wartime history, the War Cemetery is a well-maintained memorial that pays homage to soldiers who perished during World War II.
   
   
7. Karnaphuli River: Experience the heartbeat of Chittagong by taking a boat tour on the Karnaphuli River, which offers scenic vistas and the chance to witness the city’s thriving port activity.
   
   
8. Boga Lake: A serene and unspoiled expanse, Boga Lake is a high-altitude wonder that invites visitors to camp under the stars and partake in serene, nature-driven relaxation.
   
   
9. Vatiary Lake: A hotspot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, Vatiary Lake, is where one can observe a plethora of avian species in their natural habitat.
   
   
10. Shahi Jama Masjid: Marvel at the impressive architecture of the Shahi Jamae Masjid, a colossal Mughal-style mosque that dates back to the 17th century. Its intricate designs and historical significance are a delight for history buffs and art connoisseurs.

Following are the top restaurants you can find in Chittagong to indulge in an incredible culinary experience.

1. Ambrosia: It is a well-known place known for its vegetarian food options. Besides, it is a great international restaurant.
   
   
2. Regalo: If you want to try Mexican or Italian then this is a place for you to go and explore.
   
   
3. Handi Restaurant: It is known for its Mughlai options. It is a highly reviewed Asian food place.
   
   
4. The Exchange Restaurant: It is an Indian and European restaurant that serves high quality food.
   
   
5. Barcode Café: It is a popular Italian café that you can enjoy authentic Italian flavours at.
   
   
6. Greedy Guts: This is an Indian eatery that is well-known for its quality flavours and the incorporation of top-notch ingredients.
   
   
7. Meridian Hotel & Restaurant: This is a Bangladeshi restaurant that serves good food. You can arrange and attend business meetings and conferences too.
   
   
8. Tava Restaurant: Serving authentic Indian cuisine, this restaurant offers guests with a fusion of bold flavours and Indian spices.
   
   
9. Prego: A famed eatery for authentic Italian food, Prego provides visitors with a diverse range of pizza, pasta, and other Italian classics in a sleek ambience.
   
   
10. Mezban: Popular for its classic Bengali cuisine with authentic flavours, Mezban is visited by travellers and residents for its tasteful dishes and local specialties.

Before you set foot on your flight back home, here are ten essential activities for your Chittagong getaway that you need to do.

1. The Hill Tracts Festival: Timing your visit during the Hill Tracts Festival will grant you access to the region’s colourful celebrations featuring traditional music, dance, and arts.
   
   
2. Tour the Port City: Explore the bustling seaport of Chittagong to witness the city’s industrial might, trade activities, and a vibrant mix of cultures from around the world.
   
   
3. Shop at the Chittagong Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the local shopping experience at the Chittagong Bazaar, offering an array of traditional goods, textiles, and spices.
   
   
4. Historical City Wandering: Stroll through the historical streets of Chittagong to discover its architectural marvels and uncover the historical significance behind each colonial-era building.
   
   
5. Sip Tea at Pahartali Railway Station: Enjoy a cup of tea at the iconic Pahartali Railway Station, where the nostalgic essence of the British colonial period still lingers in the air.
   
   
6. Coxs Bazar – The Longest Sea Beach: Take a day trip to Cox’s Bazar, home to the longest natural sea beach in the world, for a day of sun, sand, and surf.
   
   
7. Rangamati Hanging Bridge: Marvel at the scenic Rangamati Hanging Bridge, which stretches over Kaptai Lake and provides a stunning view of the surrounding valleys.
   
   
8. Breakfast at DC Hill: Start your day with a panoramic view of Chittagong as you relish a Dhaka or a cup of fragrant Bangladeshi coffee from the top of DC Hill.
   
   
9. Picnic at Batali Hill: Escape the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy a serene picnic by the water at historic Batali Hill.
   
   
10. Experience Traditional Tribal Dance: Engage in the mesmerising traditional tribal dances that encapsulate the spirit of the indigenous people of Chittagong.

Chittagong offers a tropical monsoon climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. It’s best to plan your trip between November and February to enjoy the cooler temperatures and a reduced chance of rainfall. Here is a breakdown of the weather in Chittagong:

Winter (December to February):

• Temperatures in winter range from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
• The weather remains temperate and pleasant, with low temperatures and lower humidity. 

Summer (March to May):

• Temperatures in summer vary from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F).
• The weather remains hot and humid with temperatures that rise. 

Monsoon (June to October):

• Temperatures in the monsoon period in Chittagong range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F).
• This period of the year is characterised by heavy rainfall and high humidity. 

Post-Monsoon (November):

• Temperatures vary from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) after the monsoon season ends.
• As the weather begins to transition, temperatures start to decrease, and the weather becomes more pleasant and less humid.

You can check the local weather forecast here to avoid encountering any weather plights.

• GMT to Chittagong (BST): Chittagong (BST) is 6 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

• BST to Chittagong (BST): Chittagong (BST) is 5 hours ahead of British Summer Time (BST).

Currency:

The currency used in Chittagong is the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). It’s advisable to carry some local currency in the form of cash for small transactions, as credit card usage may be limited in certain areas.

Language:

The primary spoken language in Chittagong is Bengali. However, the residents speak and understand English to some extent.

Local Customs:

Respect the local customs and traditions by familiarising yourself with common etiquette. Dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering a mosque or a temple, and greet people with the traditional ‘Adab’ (a slight bow with hands folded).

Laws:

When in Chittagong, appreciate the culture while following local laws for a hassle-free stay. Bangladesh has strict rules against drugs, PDAs, and unauthorised photography. Respect religious practices like refraining from public alcohol consumption during Ramadan. For details on local laws and travel tips, check the websites of:

• Bangladesh Police – Tourist Safety Division.
• Bangladesh Tourism Board – Know Before You Go.

Flying to Chittagong opens a gateway to a realm of diverse adventures. Whether it’s the historical charm, cultural immersion, or thrilling escapades, this city has something for everyone. After soaking in the essence of Chittagong, you’ll return with a spirit enriched by the tapestry woven by its myriad experiences. Book your flight to Chittagong with Woking Travel and embark on a memorable voyage.

Your adventure in the City of Joy awaits!