Thanchi Bandarban 2026 Full Guide (Boat Cost, How to go, Nafakhum)
Introduction
If you want an adventurous experience, Thanchi is the place to be!
Thanchi is the last upazila in Bandarban. There is no road after Thanchi. Just mountains, rivers and tribal villages.
It is known as “Gateway to Nafakhum”. Thanchi offers a unique experience with the Sangu River, huge mountains, lush forests and tribal culture. You will take a boat ride to Nafakhum Waterfall and Remakri. In this guide we will show you everything you need to know for 2026. How to get there, boat cost, army permission and tips!
1. Where is Thanchi?
Division: Chittagong Division
District: Bandarban
Distance from Bandarban Town: 79 KM
Distance from Dhaka: 380 KM
Border: Myanmar
Thanchi is located next to Sangu River. It takes 5 hours to get there by bus from Bandarban. The road is risky but the views are stunning.
2. Why visit Thanchi?
1. Sangu River Boat Ride
This is the most beautiful boat ride in Bangladesh. You can take a 2 hour boat ride from Thanchi to Remakri. With mountains on both sides and crystal clear waters.
2. Gateway to Nafakhum
Thanchi is the gateway to Nafakhum which is also known as “Bangladesh er Niagara”
3. Tribal villages
You will see the tribal culture with Marma, Tripura and Mro people. Get a taste of their homes, food and culture.
4. Calm and mountainous
There is no internet and crowds. Just peace with nature, mountains and river sounds.
3. History of Thanchi
Thanchi got its name from “Than” and “Chi”. It translates to “Stone Water” in the local language. 100 years ago it was a trading route between Bangladesh and Myanmar. Now it is a tourism spot and army area.
4. How to get to Thanchi Bandarban for 2026
From Dhaka:
1. Take a bus from Dhaka to Bandarban. Hanif / S. Alam. 9 hours. Tickets 900 BDT. Best to take a night bus.
2. Take a bus or Chander Gari from Bandarban to Thanchi. 5 hours. Bus tickets 250 BDT. Chander Gari tickets 6000-7000 BDT (book in advance).
The road is mountainous with over 300 turns! Take motion sickness tablets (niba).
You will need Army Permission in Bandarban. There is an army checkpoint at Ruilui Para. You will need your NID card.
Best to leave early from Bandarban. The 8AM bus is best.
5. Boat Cost in Thanchi 2026
You must take a boat to Remakri and Nafakhum.
Thanchi to Remakri – 2 hours. 3500-4500 BDT. (5 people)
Remakri to Nafakhum – 30 mins walk and 30 mins boat. Extra charge of 1000 BDT.
Guide – 1000-1500 BDT per day. Army rules mean you must have a guide. Life Jacket – 50 BDT per person.
Best to share the boat with a group. This will be 800 BDT per person (5 people).
6. Accommodation in Thanchi 2026
1. Thanchi Guest House
Government guest house. 800-1200 BDT per night. Book from Bandarban DC office.
2. Tribal Homestay
In Remakri village. 500-800 BDT per person with food. Authentic experience.
3. Bandarban
Hotel Hillton / Hotel Plaza. 1500-3000 BDT. Take Thanchi as a day trip.
There are no hotels in Remakri. Only homestays.
7. Best time to visit Thanchi
Best Months – June to September. Thatchi is best during rainy season. Sangu River will be full and Nafakhum will be full.
Good Months – October to February. Cool weather and crystal clear waters. Great for trekking.
Avoid – March to May. It is too hot and river will be low.
Avoid – Eid and Puja times. It will be very busy.
Best time to take the boat – 10AM to 4PM.
8. 5 Best Things to do in Thanchi
1. Sangu River Boat Ride
This is the main attraction of Thanchi. It takes 2 hours. You will see mountains, jungles and the river. Sometimes you can see monkeys and birds.
2. Nafakhum Waterfall
Take a 1.5 hour walk from Remakri. This is the biggest waterfall in Bangladesh. It is very loud with the water. Best during rainy season.
3. Remakri Village
Tribal village by the river. You can see Marma people, markets and lifestyle.
4. Rajapather (King Road)
Old stone path built by Arakan King. Close to Remakri.
5. Three Bhai Waterfall
Close to Nafakhum. 3 small waterfalls together. Great for pictures.
9. Food in Thanchi
Simple tribal food.
Rice, Chicken and Vegetables – 120 BDT
Bamboo Chicken – 200 BDT
Fish Curry – 150 BDT
Banana/Fruits – 50 BDT
In homestays you will get local food. Take some dry food, water and snacks.
10. 8 Tips for Thanchi
NID Card – Army will not let you in without one.
Army Permission – Take from Bandarban Army Office.
Take a group – Minimum of 5 people. Army rules.
Cash – No ATM or bKash in Thanchi.
Power Bank – No Electricity after 10PM.
Trekking Shoes – Slippery roads.
Respect Tribal Culture – Always ask before taking pictures.
Don’t cross the border – BSF and BGB are strict.
11. Thanchi vs Sajek
Many people get confused.
Thanchi – River, boat, waterfall, adventure, rough road.
Sajek – Cloudy, mountainous, easy road, resort, family friendly.
Choose Thanchi if you want adventure. Choose Sajek if you want a comfortable place.
12. Photo Tips for Thanchi
Best photo spots:
Sangu River with mountains
Nafakhum Waterfall
Remakri village (sunset)
Wear green, brown or red clothing to match the nature. Best to take a GoPro for the boat ride.
13. Total Cost for Thanchi Bandarban 2026
1 person in group of 5 from Dhaka.
Bus – 900 x 2 = 1800 BDT
Local transport – 800 BDT
Shared boat – 800 BDT
Shared guide – 300 BDT
Food – 800 BDT
Hotel – 1200 BDT
Total around 5700 BDT for a 2 day 1 night trip.
Conclusion
Thanchi is not luxurious. It is more of an adventurous place.
With rivers, mountains, tribal culture and Nafakhum.
If you love nature and trekking then definitely add Thanchi to your list for 2026. You will have memories of a lifetime with the boat ride and waterfall.
Plan your Thanchi Bandarban trip during Rainy 2026 for a full experience of Nafakhum. Or Winter 2026 for an easy trip.
Have you been to Thanchi? Have you been to Nafakhum? Let us know your experience below 👇