I'm hoping to go for a brief visit to a friend in Bangladesh, near Chittagong, this October (see my post in the "Everything About Travel" forum) if I can manage the travel arrangements. Would love to have impressions, tips or recommendations from anyone who has been there.

I was in Dacca twice (3-week trips) for business several years ago. In fact I still have my poster "Bangladesh -- Before the Tourists Come." I found it to be a lovely country with very friendly people, despite the poverty. I didn't do much travelling by myself, I was usually accompanied by friends from work. At that time, most of the social life revolved around home entertaining and the restaurants of the few western hotels. I've love to hear what's it's like now. Pleas post when you return.

CVH128, thanks for your reply! I was totally preoccupied at the time and somehow did not see it.

I am now hoping to go in January, when I gather the weather will be better anyway. My husband is a little concerned about political violence ratcheting up as a result of the elections then, but I'm hoping for the best. There is a possibility that I may spend a week on my niece's sailboat off Phuket first, although that's not looking so stable now either. I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has been to either Bangladesh or Thailand recently.