Afiakhum Waterfall Bandarban 2026. Complete Travel Guide + How to Get There + Boat Price + Trek
Introduction
If Nafakhum is beautiful then Afiakhum is dangerous and beautiful. It has a name of Velvet Waterfall because the water falls down like velvet from a height of 40ft. It is the most adventurous waterfall in Bangladesh.
Thanchi, Bandarban. 3hr trek. 2hr boat travel. We need army permission. There are no roads, phone network or hotels. All you have is hills, jungle and rivers. Everything you need to know when travelling to Afiakhum in 2026. How to get there, pricing, difficulty and tips.
Where is Afiakhum Waterfall?
Chittagong Division
District: Bandarban
Upazila: Thanchi
From Thanchi – 7KM (boat) 3hr trek. From Dhaka – 400KM. Close to Myanmar Border.
The water fall is located in the Sangu River. You will need to go further than Remakri.
Why visit Afiakhum?
Biggest and Wildest Waterfall
40ft waterfall. Big waterfall sound. Whole area gets wet.
Get some adventure
There are no tourists here. Only real travellers. Walk through jungle, hills and rivers.
Tribal village
Go through Dolu Para and Jhinam Para. Discover the lifestyle of Mro and Bawm people.
No phone connection. Just nature. Real digital detox.
History of Afiakhum
Afiakhum means mother waterfall. Afia means mother and Khum means waterfall. 100 years ago this place was used by tribes. Since 2010 it has become popular with tourists. It is famous for being an adventure spot.
How to get to Afiakhum 2026
May seem complicated but its easy.
Dhaka to Bandarban
9hr bus journey. Cost 900 BDT. Take Hanif or S.Alam night bus.
Bandarban to Thanchi
5hr bus journey. Cost 250 BDT. Or take Chander Gari – 6000-7000 BDT. Need army permission from Bandarban Army Office. Need NID.
Thanchi to Remakri
2hr boat journey. Cost 3500-4500 BDT. (for 5 people)
Remakri to Dolu Para.
1.5hr trek. Through hills and jungle.
Dolu Para to Afiakhum
Another 1.5hr trek. Sometimes walk through water.
Total time from Dhaka 1.5 days.
Hire a guide. Rules of army.
Boat price and Guide price 2026
Thanchi to Remakri 3500-4500 BDT. (for 5 people) Guide 1500-2000 BDT. (2 days) Lifejacket 50 BDT. Army permission free.
Total price 12000-14000 BDT. (for 5 people) Just boat and guide 2500-3000 BDT.
Where to stay 2026
No hotels. Only 2 places.
Dolu Para Homestay
Tribal house. Cost 500-800 BDT. Food included. Basic toilet. Most people stay 1 night.
Remakri Homestay
If you don’t like trekking. 500 BDT. (per person)
Sleeping bag and mosquito net.
Best Time to Visit
June to September. It is at its fullest during rains but trekking can be risky. Best time is October to January. Medium water levels. Dry road.
Avoid Feb-May. Low water levels. Never go alone. Always go in groups of 5.
Best time to start trekking 7AM.
Top 4 Things to do
Velvet Waterfall
Main reason to come. Get a view from far away. Big waterfall noise. Take pictures but protect phone.
Jungle trek
3hr trek. Walk across rivers, hills and bamboo forests. Real adventure feeling.
Dolu Para Village
Mro Tribal village. See their home and food. Try bamboo chicken.
Swimming
There is a swimming pool under the waterfall. Cold water. Can swim with lifejacket.
Food
No restaurants. Eat at homestay. Rice, chicken, dal and veg. 200 BDT. Bamboo chicken 250 BDT. Dry food – Takeaway biscuit, bread, water and ORS.
Take 2 days of dry food.
10 Important Tips
Must take NID and army permission. No permission cannot enter. Always go in groups. Minimum 5 people. Army rules. Hire a good guide. Local guide knows the route. Wear trekking shoes. Slippery road. Take a first aid kit. Bandages, painkillers and ORS. Take a powerbank and torch. No electricity. Don’t swim on your own. Powerful current. Be respectful to the tribes. Don’t take pictures unless asked. Don’t make noise. There are wild animals nearby. Let family know you are going. No phone signal for 2 days.
Afiakhum vs Nafakhum
Many people get confused between the 2. Here is a comparison.
Nafakhum – 1.5hr from Remakri. Easy. Gets busy.
Afiakhum – 3hr from Remakri. Hard. Not busy. Larger waterfall.
If you have the time and energy I recommend doing both! Nafakhum Day 1 and Afiakhum Day 2.
Photo tips
Best places to take pictures – 1. Infront of waterfall. 2. On the trek. 3. In Dolu Para village. Use a GoPro or waterproof camera. Your phone will get wet. Wear red/yellow clothing. Looks nice with green.
How much does it cost to go to Afiakhum 2026?
1 person. In group of 5. From Dhaka.
Bus 900×2= 1800 BDT. Local transport 1000 BDT. Share boat 800 BDT. Share guide 400 BDT. Food 1000 BDT. Homestay 1000 BDT. Total cost Around 6000-6500 BDT. (3 day 2 night)
Conclusion
Not an easy place to visit but well worth it!
Trek across rivers, jungles and large waterfall.
If you love adventure then this should go onto your bucket list for 2026. The waterfall sounds and calm jungle will stick with you.
Plan your trip to Afiakhum Bandarban in October-November 2026. Safe trek. Go with friends and make some real memories.
Have you been to Afiakhum? Was the trek hard? Let me know below 👇