Lonely Planet Bangladesh (Paperback)

~ Richard Plunkett (Author), Alex Newton (Author), Betsy Wagenhauser (Author), Jon Murray (Author) "The history of Bangladesh has been one of extremes: turmoil and peace, prosperity and destitution..." (more)
Key Phrases: Cox's Bazar, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Parjatan Motel (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

When I attended travel school, tourists were categorized according to their experience and risk-taking tendencies. The scale ranged from locals visiting their regional attractions (Disneyland); Europe in the middle; and Third World and outdoor treks for the highly adventuresome. This book, accompanying the traveler to Bangladesh, is definitely for the adventuresome. The fact that it is the only English- la ngu age guide to Bangladesh - plus the motto of the Bangladesh National Tourist Office "Come before the tourists do" attests to this. Jon Murray presents a richly detailed, down-to-earth assessment of traveling in Bangladesh: He incorporates the peregrinations of many trav-, elers. The information is up-to-date; for example, he explains the results of the greenhouse effect on the country's low-lying lands. He paints a realistic picture, stating that Bangladesh is a Fourth or perhaps a Fifth World country. There is a very good section on health and nutrition, including information on how to maintain a balanced diet on the local foods. Tips, such as identifying bed bugs in a hotel room by spotting blood on the bed or walls, are valuable to those of us who are inexperienced. Cultural taboos are clarified. A preview of questions often asked by the Bangladeshi such as "You help me go to your country?" prepare the visitor. Although the country sounds warm and hospitable, there were many wary references to women traveling alone that would make me hesitate or at least read this book very carefully - before leaving for Dacca. -- From Independent Publisher --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

Discover one of the last nations to remain untouched by tourism using this, the only English-language guide to Bangladesh. Explore its myriad waterways, witness rural lifestyles and visit newly opened tribal areas.

• 40 detailed maps of every region of the country
• reliable information on how to travel around this great budget destination
• shopping, cycling, sightseeing and where to chill out
• the lowdown on visas, health and local transport
• comprehensive language section

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications; 4 edition (December 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0864426674
• ISBN-13: 978-0864426673
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,262,506 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dont leave home without it, August 27, 2003

By	Erika Mitchell (E. Calais, VT USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This is an essential guide for travel in Bangladesh. Like all the books in the Lonely Planet travel series, it begins with Facts about the Country, Facts for the Visitor, Getting There and Away, and Getting Around. Next comes a detailed description of Dhaka and the surrounding district, and then separate chapters for each of the major political and geographical divisions in Bangladesh.

Before traveling to Bangladesh, do take the time to read the Dos & Don'ts article in the Facts about the Country chapter. People in Bangladesh are generally friendly and polite, but they tend to be more friendly if you follow their rules for politeness. Men should give local women some distance, and even women should let other women approach them first. People who wear shorts in Bangladesh are risking at least their reputations, if not more. Going about in shorts in public would be akin to wearing a bikini bathing suit on Wall Street- -sure to gain a lot of unwanted attention. Western women will find themselves much more comfortable in local clothing, salwar kamis or saris as absolutely no woman wears Western clothing in Bangladesh. Women packing for a trip in Bangladesh might be better off packing no clothing at all, and just shopping for local clothing upon arrival because what they find in the local markets will be appropriate for both the climate and the culture. (That will also leave more room in your suitcase for gifts on the way in and souvenirs on the way out.)

Many educated people in Bangladesh speak English quite well. But the average person on the street doesn't, so take the time to study the useful expressions from Facts about the Country chapter when you get a chance. While you're at the airport waiting for departure, look around- -surely there's someone there who can help you with your pronunciation.

As for any travel in the developing world, make sure your immunizations are up to date before you go to Bangladesh. Hepatitis A vaccinations are highly recommended and get your travel doctor to write you a prescription for a full run of Cipro (strong antibiotic) to carry with you, and take plenty of rehydration packets. If you get seriously ill while in Bangladesh, it's better to try to get to Dr. Wahab's office (listed in the Dhaka section of this book), rather than the Cholera Hospital, as recommended elsewhere in the book.

As the book mentions, there's a lot to see in Dhaka. There's even more to see outside of Dhaka, where the air is better and the people are friendlier. A great way to get out of town is to book a tour with Prajatan or The Guide (info in the Dhaka chapter). We had a spectacular all-inclusive boat cruise through the Sunderbans with The Guide (Prajatan's boat had recently sunk). Don't miss shopping in the NGO handicraft stores, particularly Aarong (info in the Dhaka chapter).

As with any guidebook, the info for specific hotels and eateries tends to change between the time the authors visited and publication, but the historic sites and regional highlights will always be there. Read this book over several times before you go, and you will be ready as ever to start your adventure.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice work!, January 16, 2002

By	Ruth (Melbourne) - See all my reviews

This is the best lonelyplanet guide book I've ever had. Normally, I find them OK but irritating. Miraculously, this one is different.
Firstly, it's not too big (unlike, say, the Indian one) and is not afraid to leave some good stuff OUT. Secondly, it's very well researched, which is impressive in Bangladesh because information isn't all that readily available. Nor is it patronising in tone!
Best of all, though, is that reference to women travellers isn't restricted to a nauseating passage on what women "shouldn't" do because of the dangers, and then special women's diseases. Instead, it actually suggests that there are advantages to being a woman and special places to visit (such as women's development programs) that might interest women in particular. Yay! Welcome to the 21st century LP! I don't know what this sudden change in tone is due to, but I hope it spreads throughout the LP philosophy.
Otherwise, the information is helpful and up-to-date. The maps are a bit dodgy and could do with some work. For example, Thanchi does NOT lie between Ruma and Keokradung, and nor is Keokradung the highest peak in Bangladesh. The Chittagong map, in particular, is fairly useless.
Still, a very nice job. Very impressive. Very interesting and well written.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Guide, June 5, 2000

By	"sistah38" (Dordrecht Niederlande) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lonely Planet Bangladesh (Paperback)

I found this guide to be very informative and helpful. The maps are a very good basis for getting a sense of where various sections of the cities are located. Some guidebooks are sorely outdated but this book is still quite current. Many of the places mentioned are still in existence. We plan to take several of the recommended trips from this guidebook as well as cycling trips. Since moving to Dhaka I have used this book continually for a reference book. I would highly recommend reading this book before coming to visit Bangladesh!