Despite its name, Patenga Beach is no place for swimming. Concrete walls and giant cement blocks laid along the shoreline to prevent erosion make sandy beaches mostly obsolete. Still, travelers will find stunning views, tasty restaurants and plenty of merchants selling local wares (including alcohol). And residents say there’s no better place to find cheap and delicious street food.
Since Patenga Beach isn’t ideal for swimming, travelers tends to find their way to the shore in early morning and early evening, when incredible views of sunrise and sunset draw everyone to the water. A laid-back vibe with plenty of palm trees and fishing boats makes this the ideal spot to catch mother nature’s beauty at its best.
Practical Info
The beach is located 14 km south of Chittagong near the mouth of the Karnaphuli River, the Naval Academy and the Shah Amanat International Airport. Despite easy access to clear waters swimming here is not recommended.
Travelers seeking quintessential views of the Bay of Bengal will find them at Vatiary Lake. Located just outside Chittagong City, this incredible body of water is home to some the area’s best fishing—as well as some of its best views. Intrepid visitors can wander up to the much-storied Sunset Point and settle in for epic views of golden rays dipping down below the horizon. Organized boat trips, fishing lessons and well-worn winding roads perfect for biking make this a destination for nature lovers.
Practical Info
According to locals Vatiary Lake is at its peak between September and April. Travelers should plan to spend at least a couple of hours touring the area. A local café serves up tasty local food cuisine. Visitors can travel to the lake via a ferry from Sadarghat, a cycle‐rickshaw or a local taxi.
