เลือกหน้า

Bangladesh: A Country in the Heart of Bengal

ก.ค. 2, 2025

H
Back to Study Trips

Bangladesh: A Country in the Heart of Bengal

Bangladesh is located in South Asia, nestled between India and Myanmar. Bangladesh is a land of rivers, rich traditions, and deep history. Once part of ancient Bengal, it has been home to powerful empires, vibrant trade centres, and diverse religious cultures. From Buddhist monks and Hindu rulers to Muslim sultans and Mughal governors, many civilisations have left their mark here. Today, Bangladesh stands as a proud and independent nation, formed in 1971, with a heritage that stretches back thousands of years.

The Siam Society, under the leadership of Mrs Bilaibhan Sampatisiti, President of The Siam Society, is organising a study trip to Bangladesh scheduled from 1 to 8 December 2025. This trip offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of important historical, cultural, and heritage sites, providing a deeper understanding of Bangladesh’s rich and diverse history. The journey begins in Dhaka, the energetic capital, where Mughal-era forts, colonial churches, and colourful markets bring history to life. Then head north to Rangpur to visit the stunning Kantajew Temple, a famous terracotta Hindu temple. Next, travel south to Bogra to explore Mahasthangarh, one of South Asia’s oldest archaeological sites, and visit the majestic ruins of Somapura Mahavihara (Paharpur), an 8th-century UNESCO-listed Buddhist monastery. Finally, explore Rajshahi, a peaceful city by the Padma River known for its mangoes, silk, and nearby temples and mosques.

When

Monday, 1 to Monday, 8 December 2025

Leader

with Mrs Bilaibhan Sampatisiri

President of The Siam Society

Booking

See information below

Or contact Khun Thun

studytrips@thesiamsociety.org

 

The tentative programme will be as follows:

Day 1: Monday, 1 December 2025:  Bangkok – Dhaka
08:00 Meet at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, check in at the Thai Airways counter.
10:55 Depart Bangkok for Dhaka by Thai Airways flight TG321.
12:30 Arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and transfer to the Dhaka city centre.
Afternoon: Visit the Bangladesh National Museum and make a photo stop at Curzon Hall, an iconic building located on the campus of the University of Dhaka in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is one of the most renowned architectural landmarks in the country and holds historical and cultural significance.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Holiday Inn Dhaka City Centre by IHG Hotel, Dhaka.
   
Day 2: Tuesday, 2 December 2025: Dhaka – Sonargaon – Dhaka
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:

Proceed to Sonargaon, a historic city in central Bangladesh. Once the capital of medieval Bengal and a thriving hub of trade, culture, and craftsmanship. Today, it offers a glimpse into Bangladesh’s rich heritage with its mosques, palaces, and forgotten streets.
 

Visit the Goaldi Mosque, built in 1519 AD by Mulla Hizabar Akbar Khan under the reign of Sultan Alauddin Hussain Shah. This mosque is a rare example of early Sultanate-era architecture in Bengal.
  Visit the ruins of Panam Nagar (Panam City). Built in the late 19th century by wealthy Hindu merchants, it was once a thriving commercial and residential zone. The city features a single street lined with around 50 colonial-style mansions, most now crumbling but still rich with charm and detail. The architecture reflects a blend of Mughal, European, and Bengali styles.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit Sonargaon Folk Art and Craft Museum, located in the former palace of Isa Khan, the legendary ruler of the region and leader of the Baro-Bhuiyans (twelve landlords). Wander through the museum’s galleries to see traditional Bengali crafts, folk art, and cultural artefacts. The museum complex also includes charming gardens, historic buildings, and exhibition halls showcasing rural life and creativity in Bangladesh.
– Visit Boro Sardar Bari Palace, a historical building in Sonargaon, Bangladesh, and is now part of the Sonargaon Folk Art and Craft Museum. It is an architectural structure showcasing a blend of Mughal and British styles and is known for its courtyards, grand halls, intricate wooden ceilings, and terracotta carvings.
– Then drive back to Dhaka and visit Lalbagh Fort, an incomplete 17th-century Mughal fort complex located on the banks of the Buriganga River in southwestern Dhaka. Construction began in 1678 AD under Mughal Subahdar Muhammad Azam Shah, the son of Emperor Aurangzeb. Although never completed, the fort remains a striking example of Mughal architecture, featuring gardens, tombs, and audience halls.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Holiday Inn Dhaka City Centre by IHG Hotel, Dhaka.
   
Day 3: Wednesday, 3 December 2025: Dhaka – Saidpur – Rangpur
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and proceed to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
11:30 Depart Dhaka for Saidpur by Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG591.
12:30 Arrive at Saidpur Airport.
Afternoon: Late lunch at a local restaurant.
– Proceed to visit the famous Kantajew Temple. It is one of the most magnificent religious buildings built in the 18th century and one of the most famous red clay buildings in Bangladesh. It originally had nine spires, but all were destroyed in an earthquake in 1897.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Grand Palace Hotel, Rangpur.
   
Day 4: Thursday, 4 December 2025: Rangpur – Bogra
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:

 

 

 Check out of the hotel and proceed to visit Tajhat Palace, an architectural gem of Rangpur. Built in the early 20th century by Maharaja Kumar Gopal Lal Roy, it is named after his jewelled crown (Taj), which inspired the name Tajhat. From 1984 to 1991, it served as the Rangpur branch of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. Declared a protected monument in 1995 by the Department of Archaeology, the palace gained further prominence when the Rangpur Museum was relocated to its second floor in 2005, highlighting both its historical and architectural value.
– Afterwards, proceed to Bogra, often called the gateway to North Bengal. It is one of Bangladesh’s oldest towns, rich in archaeology, history, and culture.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit Mahasthangarh, the oldest city in Bangladesh. Its history dates back to the 3rd century BC, and it once served as the capital of the ancient kingdom of Pundranagar. Mahasthangarh is also recognised as one of the oldest urban archaeological sites in South Asia. Explore the ancient city ruins, walk along the massive walls, and visit the Mahasthangarh Museum, which houses ancient terracotta plaques, coins, tools, and stone sculptures found at the site. These artefacts offer a deep insight into the early civilisations of Bengal.
– Visit Gokul Medh, a mysterious archaeological mound. Also known as Lakshindar Medh, it is linked to a well-known Bengali folk tale. Believed to be either an ancient temple or a Buddhist stupa from the 7th century, the site consists of dozens of small square chambers arranged in tiers, forming a unique stepped structure. According to legend, this is where Behula stayed with her husband Lakhindar on their wedding night, as told in the famous folk epic Manasamangal. The myth adds a magical cultural layer to this fascinating historic site.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Naz Garden Hotel, Bogra.
   
Day 5: Friday, 5 December 2025: Bogra – Rajshahi
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and proceed to visit Somapura Mahavihara, also known as Paharpur Buddhist Vihara. It is one of Bangladesh’s most important archaeological sites and was once the largest Buddhist monastery in the southern Himalayas. This magnificent complex is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical, architectural, and cultural significance.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Proceed to Rajshahi, a peaceful city in northwest Bangladesh. It is known as the “Silk City” and is famous for its mangoes, silk industry, and educational institutions. Located by the Padma River, it is a gateway to many historic sites like Paharpur and Puthia Temple Complex.
  Visit the Puthia Temple Complex, home to the largest collection of historic Hindu temples in Bangladesh. These beautifully crafted temples were built by the Hindu Zamindars of the Puthia Raj family, primarily using terracotta and featuring a mix of architectural styles, most notably the traditional Jor-Bangla style blended with other regional influences. Also within the complex is the Royal Palace of Puthia, built in 1895 by Maharani Hemanta Kumari Devi in memory of her mother-in-law, Maharani Saratsundari Devi. The palace stands as a striking example of Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Hotel X, Rajshahi.
   
Day 6: Saturday, 6 December 2025: Rajshahi
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Proceed to visit Chapainawabganj, a district located near the northwestern border with India. This region is home to several historic landmarks that are part of the ancient capital of Bengal. Once a frontier of the great Gaur (or Gauda) Empire, Chapainawabganj is now known as the “Mango Capital” of Bangladesh.
  Explore the beautiful ruins of this once-powerful city. Visit the Chhota Sona Mosque, built in the 15th century by Sultan Alauddin Hussain Shah. It was once covered with gold, which is why it is called the “Small Golden Mosque.” This historic mosque has five domes, beautiful stone carvings, and a stunning mihrab (prayer space) filled with detailed artwork. It is a great example of how art and religion came together in the architectural heritage of Bengal.
  Visit the ruins of Medieval Darasbari Madrasa, an educational institution in the ancient city of Gaur (now in Bangladesh). It was built in 1504 AD (909 AH) by Alauddin Husain Shah. The madrasa, along with the adjacent Darasbari Mosque, formed a typical Muslim educational complex.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit the Tahakhana Complex, a serene and elegant structure built by Prince Shah Shuja as a winter residence and pleasure palace. Also, explore the Shrine of Shah Niyamatullah, a significant religious and architectural site dedicated to Shah Shuja’s spiritual mentor, the revered Sufi saint Shah Syed Niyamatullah. Built in the 17th century, the complex includes a mosque, a domed tomb (mazar), and a hammam (bathhouse), all reflecting refined Mughal architecture. The shrine remains an active site of pilgrimage and spiritual reverence, highlighting the deep connection between Sufism and Mughal patronage in Bengal.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Hotel X, Rajshahi.
   
Day 7: Sunday, 7 December 2025: Rajshahi – Dhaka
– Early breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and proceed to Rajshahi Airport.
08:35 Depart Rajshahi for Dhaka by US Bangla flight BS162.
09:25 Arrive at Dhaka Airport and transfer to the hotel.
– Visit Old Dhaka. The first place will be Sadarghat is an ancient and traditional river port located on the banks of the Buriganga River in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Although it has lost some of its former charm since the opening of the Padma Bridge, this historic port remains an important transportation hub for many districts in the southern region.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit Ahsan Manzil, also known as the Pink Palace. It is located in the Kumartoli area, along the Buriganga River. Built between 1859 and 1872, this stunning palace was the official residence and administrative centre of the Nawab of Dhaka. Designed in Indo-Saracenic Revival style, it has now been converted into a national museum, offering rich insights into the lifestyle of Dhaka’s former aristocracy.
– Visit the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection, a historically significant architectural monument. This church reflects the once-thriving Armenian community that lived in Dhaka during the 17th and 18th centuries. Quiet and serene, it stands as a hidden gem in the heart of the bustling old city.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Holiday Inn Dhaka City Centre by IHG Hotel, Dhaka.
   
Day 8: Monday, 8 December 2025: Dhaka – Bangkok
– Breakfast at the hotel.
10:30 Check out of the hotel and transfer to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
13:40 Depart Dhaka for Bangkok by Thai Airways flight TG322.
17:10 Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
   

The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary.

Booking:

Contribution of THB 98,500 (THB 103,500 for non-members). Single room surcharge of THB 16,000. A deposit of THB 40,000 and a photocopy of the identification page on your passport must accompany the booking. Your reservation will be confirmed as soon as the deposit has been made. Payment in full will be required 60 days before the start of the trip (i.e. by Thursday, 2 October 2025). There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payment to cover bank charges. Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society”. Transfer can also be made to The Siam Society travel account at TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), saving account no. 053-2-18000-7, swift code: TMBKTHBK or by scanning the QR code on your right. Once the payment has been made, please e-mail the deposit or transfer docket to us.

Inclusions:

  • The contribution includes accommodation (sharing basis), meals as mentioned in the program, transfer and sightseeing cars, entrance fees, gratuities and other costs incurred to make this trip possible.
  • Domestic air tickets are included in the price (Dhaka – Saidpur/ Rajshahi – Dhaka)
  • Basic travel insurance, which will only cover participants travelling from and back to Thailand.

Exclusions:

  • International air tickets are not included in the price (Bangkok – Dhaka – Bangkok),but for those who would like us to book their tickets, it can be arranged at the time of booking.
  • Visa fees (if any), personal expenses, personal food and beverage consumption, etc.

Please note that the flight itinerary between Bangkok – Dhaka – Bangkok, as mentioned in the programme, only serves as a suggestion. Trip participants can travel with their preferred airline of choice throughout the above sequence of the itinerary.

Tourist Visa Policy

The online visa application form must be filled up and submitted online through the following website: https://visa.gov.bd/Home.aspx. After submitting the form, you will be required to bring the printed application form with other documents to the Embassy of Bangladesh, Bangkok, to get the visa. The processing time at the embassy would take about 5 working days. You may check the document requirements for the Bangladesh tourist visa on the following website: https://bangkok.mofa.gov.bd/en/site/page/Tourist-Visa

To comply with payment and cancellation policies set forth by tour agencies and to facilitate smooth working conditions between The Siam Society and the tour agencies, please carefully read the cancellation policies stated below:

Cancellation charges:

76 days before the start of the trip (before Tue, 16 Sep): Deposit forfeited
75 – 61 days before the start of the trip (Wed, 17 Sep to Wed, 1 Oct): 50% of the tour cost
Less than 60 days or cancellation without notice (Thu, 2 Oct onwards): No refund

 

*The cancellation charges will also depend on the date we pay the deposit to our travel agent. If we have to pay the deposit to the travel agent before the 60-day period prior to the start of the trip, our officer will send an email to inform every participant before we make the payment, as only a partial amount of the deposit can be refunded after that point.

For further information and bookings, please contact Khun Thun at 02-661-6470-3 ext 205, or studytrips@thesiamsociety.org The Society’s office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.

More upcoming study trips