Meghna River
About Meghna River
The Meghna is one of the three great rivers of Bangladesh, together with the Padma and the Jamuna. Near Sonargaon it is already wide, busy with cargo boats, sand barges and fishing boats, and lined with villages, brick kilns and green fields.
From ghats near Sonargaon, such as the Baidder Bazar area, local boatmen take visitors out on wooden country boats. You drift past fishermen mending nets, children swimming and ferries crossing, and in the dry months sandbanks and chars rise from the water, including islands such as Nolachor River Island.
Late afternoon is the best time, when the light softens and the river turns gold. A boat ride adds a different pace after the heritage sights of Panam City and Goaldi Mosque. Evergreen Bangladesh Tours can arrange a boat on private Sonargaon day trips from Dhaka, with a guide on board.
Things to do
-
Take a country-boat ride
Hire a wooden boat with a local boatman for a gentle hour or two on the river.
-
Watch river life
See fishermen, cargo boats and ferries that keep this busy waterway moving.
-
Catch the sunset
Late afternoon light over the wide river is one of the best photo moments near Dhaka.
-
Visit a char island
In the dry season, boats can stop at sandbank islands where farming families live.
Getting there
From Dhaka: drive about 25 to 30 km southeast to Sonargaon, then continue to a riverside ghat. Allow one and a half to two hours by car.
Boats are hired locally at the ghat. Your guide can arrange a suitable boat and agree the route in advance.
Where to stay
Most travellers return to Dhaka after the boat ride. There are a few riverside and countryside resorts in the Sonargaon area for a quieter night.
More to see in Narayanganj
Tours that visit Meghna River
Holiday Tours
Bangladesh Cultural and Heritage Discovery Tour
from $800 per person
Day Tours
Panam City and Old Capital Sonargaon Day Tour
from $70 per person
Questions
Is a boat ride on the Meghna safe?
Yes, in calm weather with an experienced boatman. Ask for life jackets and avoid going out in storms.
How long is a typical boat trip?
Usually one to two hours, timed for the late afternoon light.
When is the best season?
The cool months from November to February are comfortable. In the monsoon the river is fuller and greener but weather is less predictable.
Can I combine it with Sonargaon sights?
Yes, it works well at the end of a day at Panam City and the folk art museum.