Bangladesh Homestay Programmes: A Unique Way to Experience Real Culture
People in Bangladesh are known for being friendly, the country has beautiful green landscapes, and it has a rich cultural heritage. Its homestay programmes let visitors see how people live in a way that is different from other places. When you stay with a local family in a homestay, you learn about Bangladeshi culture and have experiences that are very different from what most tourists do. Homestay programmes are the best way for travellers to get to know the real Bangladesh. This article will tell you everything you need to know about homestay programmes in Bangladesh, such as how much they cost, what to expect, and why you should do them on your trip.
What is a programme for staying in someone’s home?
A homestay programme lets travellers stay with local families, which makes the trip feel more real and personal. The goal of these programmes is to teach visitors about the host community’s culture, traditions, and way of life. When you stay with a family in Bangladesh, you usually get to do these things:
Eating with the family that is hosting you foods that are common in Bangladesh.
You can help with daily chores like weaving, cooking, fishing, or farming.
A guide, usually the host family, will take you on tours of the area.
Cultural exchanges are a great way to learn about Bangladeshi customs and share your own with the people who host you.
Homestays are very popular in rural Bangladesh. People who live in the country are nice, and visitors can enjoy the calm and quiet of the countryside.
Why should you choose a homestay programme in Bangladesh?
When you stay in a homestay in Bangladesh, you can do more than just see the sights. Here are some of the best reasons to stay in a homestay:
Real immersion in culture
You can see and feel the culture for yourself when you stay with a family in Bangladesh. You will learn things that you can’t learn on a regular tour, like how to make traditional food and how to take part in local celebrations.
Cheap Places to Stay
Homestays are a great choice for people who are on a budget because they are usually cheaper than hotels or resorts. Even though it costs less, the experience is full and rewarding.
A Unique Experience
Homestays are more personal and private than big hotels. Your hosts will treat you like a guest, not a customer, and they will often go above and beyond to make your stay special.
Giving back to the community
The local economy benefits when people stay in a homestay. A lot of homestays are run by families who live in rural or tribal areas. Your stay helps them keep living the way they do.
Travelling in a way that doesn’t harm the environment
Big hotels and resorts usually hurt the environment more than homestays do. A lot of them live in rural areas where organic farming and other environmentally friendly ways of doing things are common.
The Most Popular Homestays in Bangladesh
There are many different kinds of homestays in Bangladesh. 1. Srimangal is the place in Bangladesh where tea comes from.
In short, Srimangal is known for its tea gardens that cover hills, its thick forests, and its lively tribal communities. When you stay in a homestay here, you can often go to tea plantations and see the quiet countryside.
What to do:
Tea tastings are held at local farms.
Going through Lawachara National Park with a guide.
Sharing cultures with families from the Manipuri or Khasia tribes.
Price: Staying in a home in Srimangal costs between $25 and $50 a night, which includes meals and some simple activities.
2. The Bandarban and Rangamati parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts
Some of the native tribes that live in the Hill Tracts are the Marma, Chakma, and Tripura. You can learn about tribal customs and see beautiful views of the hills while you’re here.
Things to do:
Hiking to villages that are far away.
Learning how to weave the way people used to.
Going out on boats on Kaptai Lake.
Cost: A homestay in the Hill Tracts costs between $30 and $70 per night. This includes meals and cultural activities.
3. Barisal: The Floating Villages
People know a lot about the floating markets and way of life along the river in Barisal. You can stay in one of these homestays by the river or in a floating village while you’re out on the water.
What to do:
In the morning, I’m going to the floating markets.
Taking a boat ride through the rivers and canals.
Learning about how people catch fish in the area.
Price: A night in a homestay in Barisal costs between $20 and $50.
4. The Mangrove Forest in the Sundarbans
The Sundarbans is the biggest mangrove forest in the world and is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can stay in a homestay in this area that is close to fishing villages. This way, you can have fun and learn about the culture at the same time.
Things you can do:
Seeing wild animals that aren’t very common, like tigers, crocodiles, and birds.
Boat tours of the mangroves.
Learning how to fish and get honey the old-fashioned way.
Price: Staying in a homestay near the Sundarbans costs between $40 and $80 per night.
5. Tangail: The Villages of Weaving
Tangail is known for its handloom saris. Visitors to a weaving village can learn about how textiles are made the old-fashioned way and enjoy the quiet countryside.
Things to do:
How to use a handloom in lessons.
Looking at the nearby markets.
Doing things that have to do with farming.
Cost: A night in a homestay in Tangail costs between $25 and $40.
What You Should Know About Staying in a Bangladeshi Home
1. Where to Stay: Most homestays in Bangladesh are simple but comfortable. There is a bed, a fan, and a nett to keep mosquitoes out in the rooms. They are clean. Most homestays, especially in the country, don’t have air conditioning or modern bathrooms. Get ready for a more rural experience.
2. Food: The host family usually makes the meals, which are usually traditional Bangladeshi dishes. In the area, you can expect to find rice, lentils (dal), fish, and vegetables. Some homestays might also have cooking classes where you can learn how to make these meals.
3. Talking to the host
Most of the time, hosts are very friendly and helpful. They will often let you help them with things they do every day, like cooking, farming, or fishing. One of the best things about staying home is getting to know new people.
4. Things to do
As part of the package, many homestays offer guided tours or cultural activities. This could mean going for a hike, going to local markets, or learning how to make traditional crafts.
How much do homestay programmes in Bangladesh cost?
The price of a homestay in Bangladesh depends on where it is, how comfortable it is, and what activities are included. This is a quick summary:
Budget homestays cost between $20 and $40 a night and include basic meals and a place to stay.
Mid-range homestays cost between $40 and $70 per night and come with better amenities, guided tours, and cultural activities.
Luxury homestays cost between $70 and $150 per night and include high-end rooms, personalised services, and private guides.
A lot of homestay programmes also offer package deals for stays that last more than one day. These deals might come with food, transportation, and activities. A three-day trip to Srimangal could cost $150 to $200, while the same trip to the Chittagong Hill Tracts could cost $250 to $300.
How to Pick a Homestay in Bangladesh
Reviews and Research
Find homestays that other people have liked. You can get help from local travel agencies, Airbnb, or TripAdvisor.
Take a look at what’s included.
Find out what the price includes, like meals, activities, and getting around.
Speak with the Host
Call your host before you book to ask any questions and make sure they can help you.
Get ready for easy
Be ready for a rustic experience when you stay in a homestay in rural Bangladesh. But that’s what makes it so interesting.
Think carefully about how you pack.
Bring things you need, like bug spray, a water bottle that you can use more than once, and clothes that are comfortable.
In the end, homestay programmes in Bangladesh are a unique way for travellers to fully experience the country’s culture, traditions, and natural beauty. Homestays are a great and cheap way to meet locals if you’re going to the tea gardens of Srimangal, hiking through the Hill Tracts, or living in a weaving village. There is a homestay for every kind of traveller, and the cost ranges from $20 to $150 per night. If you want a real and memorable trip, a homestay in Bangladesh might be the best option for you.
