Hi there, we use cookies to improve your experience on our website. You can update your settings by clicking the Privacy policy link at the bottom of the page. I recently spent 3 weeks in Bangladesh and had a wonderful time. I do however have a warning about a guide in Srimangal that turned out to be the only disappointing aspect of an otherwise great place.
I arrived in Srimangal and checked in to the Hotel Tea Town, and as i was getting settled in my room there was a knock at the door. Later that night, at about 9pm, i was getting ready to go to bed when there was another knock at the door of my hotel room. I opened the door, and a different man immediately pushed in and sat down on the bed and started talking about tours. I made it clear to the man that he had not been invited into the room, and to please leave.
He wouldnt leave, but rather kept talking about tours. I told him that I had already organised a tourguide for the following day, and again asked him to leave. He then told me that he was Russell's boss, and that he was now going to take me on the tour tomorrow as Russell was unable to. I was highly suspicious, as this man had sleazebag written all over him, and so told him i wanted to call Russell to verify the story. He produced his phone, and he actually had Russells correct number. I used his phone to try to call Russell, but was unable to get through.
Then man then produced a number of photocopied letters from supposed satisfied customers, and a business card. I apologise for not being able to provide his name, as I did not write it down at the time, however I can inform you that he was the brother of Rashed Husan, who is mentioned in the Lonely Planet Guide. I finally relented, as the man did seem a little more knowledgable than Russell and I only had 1 day in Srimangal, and agreed that he should come the following morning at 8am.
I awoke at am to the sound of banging on my door. I opened the door, and there was the man. I asked why he had come at 6;45am, when we had agreed on 8am. He suggested that my watch was incorrect. I assured him that it wasnt, and he then said it was better to leave early as we would have a better chance of seeing wildlife in the Lawachara National Park if we went early. SO I got dressed and we started the tour. What followed was the biggest joke of a tour I have ever encountered.
