Rangamati

Rangamati is built around the shore of Kaptai Lake — a 726 square kilometre reservoir created by the Kaptai Dam in 1960. The lake is vast and scenic, with dozens of islands and peninsulas covered in forest. Boats thread between them carrying passengers to remote villages that are otherwise inaccessible. The hanging bridge at the town centre is iconic — the longest in Bangladesh.

The Chakma people are the dominant community in Rangamati, and the town has a distinctly different cultural texture from the lowland plains. Buddhist temples, tribal craft markets, and woven textiles made in the hills are part of any visit. Rajban Vihara, an ancient Buddhist monastery on a lakeshore island, is one of the most peaceful places in Bangladesh.

Rangamati makes an excellent base for exploring the broader Kaptai-Barkal region. Multi-day boat trips take you deep into the hills, far from tourist infrastructure.