Full Day Sonargaon & Panam Tour from Dhaka: Private Guide

What remains of Bangladesh's old capital, and why it matters

A full-day private tour from Dhaka explores Sonargaon, the country's former capital, along with the Folk Arts & Crafts Museum, the abandoned colonial city of Panam, a 15th-century mosque, and village life on the Meghna River. The tour includes a local English-speaking guide, lunch, bottled water, round-trip hotel pickup and all activities. It runs 10 hours and suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Sonargaon and historical sites

• Pass by TaabuTour office
• Visit 15th century tiny mosque
• See Royal Palace and Folk Arts Museum
• Explore abandoned buildings in Panam

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Dhaka hotel and a drive to Sonargaon, where the remains of Bangladesh's old capital sit scattered across the landscape. You'll visit the Folk Arts & Crafts Museum to see traditional textiles and handicrafts, then move into Panam, an abandoned 16th-century city where colonial-era buildings still stand half-empty. Walking through the narrow streets, you can step inside some of the structures to see how they were built and what daily life looked like centuries ago.

A 15th-century mosque is part of the route, small and historically significant, and the tour includes time on the banks of the Meghna River to see how people live in the villages there. Lunch is provided during the day. Your guide speaks English and travels with you throughout, explaining the history and context of each stop rather than leaving you to figure it out alone.

The full day is 10 hours from pickup to return. Round-trip private transfer is included, so you don't arrange separate transport, and bottled water comes with you. All taxes and fees are built into the price.

What’s included

• Local English-speaking guide for the full day.
• round-trip private hotel pickup and transfer.
• lunch.
• bottled water.
• entry to the Folk Arts & Crafts Museum and all activities at each stop.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Senior (71 and older) · Youth (6 to 11 years) · Child (3 to 5 years): free · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by TaabuTour

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a private guide to explain the history as you move through each site, rather than navigating Sonargaon and Panam on your own. The 10-hour day and private transfer mean you don't arrange separate transport or coordinate timing with other travelers.

Traveler reviews

4.91★★★★★★★★★★

46 verified traveler reviews

5 ★44

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 11 years); Child (3 to 5 years): free; Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Sonargaon and why was it the old capital?

Sonargaon was Bangladesh's capital before Dhaka and served as a major trading center and seat of power. The tour shows what remains of that era, including the Folk Arts & Crafts Museum where traditional crafts and textiles from the region are preserved.

Can I actually go inside the buildings in Panam?

Yes, you can wander around Panam and go inside some of the abandoned colonial buildings to see their construction and layout. The city was largely abandoned over time, leaving the structures standing but empty.

How long is the drive from Dhaka to Sonargaon?

The tour is 10 hours total from hotel pickup to return, which includes driving time, time at each stop, and lunch. The exact breakdown depends on traffic and how long you spend at each site with your guide.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food will it be?

Lunch is included in the tour price. The specific menu is not detailed in advance, but it is part of the day's arrangement.

Do I need to be in very good shape for this tour?

The tour suits all fitness levels and involves walking through villages and around historical sites. It is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, but otherwise does not require special fitness.