Thanchi (থানচি): travel guide

Gateway to deep Bandarban treks, Sangu River boat rides, Amiakhum, and Nafakhum falls.

Thanchi is in Bandarban district, Chattogram division, Bangladesh. Compare bus, train and air fares to Thanchi and see the route on a map.

Things to do in Thanchi

  • Raja Pathar (Tindu) (রাজা পাথর): Huge boulders in the bed of the Sangu near Tindu Para, nicknamed the King and Queen stones by locals and the highlight of the boat trip upstream from Thanchi. Nature, free entry, best time: November to March
  • Tajingdong (Bijoy) (তাজিংডং): Officially recognised highest peak of Bangladesh (1,280 m by the official figure, which is disputed), in the Saichal range of Thanchi Sadar union, about 20 km from Thanchi. Mountain, free entry, best time: November to February
  • Dim Pahar (ডিম পাহাড়): Egg-shaped hill on the boundary of Alikadam and Thanchi upazilas, crossed at about 2,500 ft by the army-built Alikadam-Thanchi road, one of the highest motorable roads in Bangladesh. Viewpoint, free entry, best time: October to March
  • Amiakhum Waterfall (আমিয়াখুম জলপ্রপাত): Waterfall in the remote Nakshiyang area of Thanchi upazila near the Myanmar border, often called one of the most remote places in Bangladesh. Waterfall, free entry
  • Remakri: Village and waterfall stop on the Sangu river and the usual overnight base for the trek to Nafakhum. Waterfalls, free entry
  • Nafakhum Waterfall (নাফাখুম জলপ্রপাত): Waterfall on the Remakri stream, a tributary of the Sangu, where the river drops about 25-30 ft; one of the largest falls in Bangladesh by volume of water. Waterfall, free entry, best time: October to January (boats can be suspended in heavy monsoon floods)
  • Tama Tungi (তমা তুঙ্গী): Hilltop tourist spot opened in December 2021 on the army-built Thanchi-Remakri border road, from which Tajingdong, Keokradong and Dim Pahar can be seen at once. Viewpoint, free entry, best time: October to March
  • Saka Haphong (সাকা হাফং): Peak on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, about 1,052-1,064 m high, regarded by surveyors and climbers as the true highest point of Bangladesh; reached only by multi-day expeditions. Mountain, free entry, best time: November to February

Where to stay in Thanchi

  • Segun Jhiri Guest House (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Double and single rooms, per the upazila portal.
  • Maya Guest House (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Double and single rooms, per the upazila portal.
  • Zila Parishad Rest House, Thanchi (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Rest house listed on the Thanchi upazila portal.
  • Thanchi Kutir (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Guest house near the police station, listed on the Thanchi upazila portal.
  • Chingkya Mro Guest House (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Guest house listed on the Thanchi upazila portal.
  • Meghboti Resort (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Listed on the Thanchi upazila portal.
  • Sing Guest House (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Double and single rooms next to the bus station, per the upazila portal.
  • The Hotel Discovery Thanchi (MidRange), about Check with hotel for current rates. Double and single rooms, AC and non-AC, per the Thanchi upazila portal.

Travel advice for Thanchi

  • Stay options: Visitors have stayed at a resort in Thanchi and in a Marma village cottage at Jinapara beside Nafakhum; the Thanchi bridge is a sunset spot.
  • No mobile network in the area: Expect no mobile signal or TV around Remakri and Nafakhum; tell others your plan and carry cash and water.
  • Route to Thanchi and Remakri: Bandarban to Thanchi is a bus ride of roughly 3-4 hours; from Thanchi a hired boat to Remakri takes about 2.5 hours, with a rough stretch after Tindu.

More places to explore in Bangladesh

JatraSathi is a free Bangladesh trip planner in English and Bangla. Prices are estimates; check before you travel.