Cox’s Bazar has once again topped the list of Bangladesh’s most preferred domestic tourist destinations, while Malaysia has emerged as the most tourist-friendly overseas destination for Bangladeshi travelers, according to a nationwide reader poll conducted by The Bangladesh Monitor.
The online survey, held between November 20 and December 20, 2025, drew responses from 15,200 readers, many of them Dhaka-based frequent travelers, tourism professionals and aviation sector stakeholders, according to a release.
Cox’s Bazar secured the top spot by a wide margin, reaffirming its position as the country’s leading beach destination and a first choice for holidaymakers from the capital. Sylhet ranked second, followed by the hill district of Bandarban in third place.
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, placed fourth, while Kuakata, known for offering both sunrise and sunset views over the Bay of Bengal, ranked fifth. Dhaka Old Town secured sixth position, reflecting renewed interest among city residents in heritage tourism and culinary trails within the capital. Sonargaon, Rangamati, Dinajpur and Teknaf completed the top ten domestic destinations.
On the international front, Malaysia emerged as the most preferred overseas destination for Bangladeshi travelers, particularly those flying out of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Industry insiders attributed Malaysia’s popularity to its visa-friendly policies, strong air connectivity from Dhaka, cultural familiarity and a wide range of leisure, shopping and medical tourism options.
Thailand ranked second, followed by the Maldives in third place, highlighting sustained demand among Dhaka travelers for short-haul leisure destinations. Sri Lanka, Singapore and Saudi Arabia placed fourth, fifth and sixth respectively, reflecting balanced demand for leisure, business and religious travel.
Nepal, India, Bhutan and Indonesia rounded out the top ten overseas destinations.
Tourism analysts said the results point to evolving travel trends among urban travelers, with Dhaka residents increasingly favouring regional destinations that offer ease of access, competitive pricing and diverse experiences. The strong performance of nature-based and heritage destinations also indicates growing interest in experiential and sustainable tourism.
The poll was conducted as part of the Bangladesh Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Awards (BTTHA) 2025, organised by The Bangladesh Monitor, which annually recognises individuals and organisations for their contributions to the country’s travel and tourism sector.