A budget stay costing just 120 Bangladeshi taka a night has attracted attention after foreign travel creator Hugh Abroad documented his experience at a floating accommodation in Dhaka.
Located on boats along the river, the accommodation features compact rooms, bunk-style beds and basic facilities. Hugh’s videos offer viewers a glimpse inside the boats, including the rooms, bathrooms and everyday life of people who stay there for extended periods.
A Floating Stay for Just 120 BDT
During his visit, Hugh explores one of the boats and checks out the small rooms before heading upstairs to see the river surroundings.
The boats are not used exclusively by short-term travellers. Hugh meets two residents who say they have been living there for about two months. One of them tells him that he operates a small business in Dhaka.
Based on the nightly price, Hugh estimates that staying on the boat for a month could cost less than $30, making it one of the least expensive accommodation options he has encountered.
The rooms are extremely compact, with bunk beds and limited space for luggage. Some sleeping areas have mosquito nets, while laundry can also be hung around the boat.
Tiny Rooms and Basic Facilities
In another video, Hugh enters one of the rooms and shows how little space is available for belongings. A suitcase and backpacks occupy much of the already limited room.
The heat also becomes a challenge during his visit, with Hugh describing the room as feeling close to 40 degrees Celsius.
The bathroom provides another striking part of the experience. Hugh reacts to the condition and smell of the toilet, which he describes as essentially a hole in the ground. He also questions whether waste is discharged directly into the river.
Despite what he sees, Hugh decides to find out what spending an entire night on the boat would actually be like.
A Newer Boat Offers Another Option
His first attempt to book a room does not go smoothly, as the manager is asleep when Hugh tries to make arrangements.
He eventually finds another boat that appears newer and more recently painted. After asking about accommodation, he is quoted 120 Bangladeshi taka for one night.
The room is not available immediately, however, and Hugh is told that he can check in at around 8 pm. He uses the waiting time to explore the newer boat.
According to Hugh’s estimate, the vessel has around 20 rooms, with approximately 10 positioned on each side. Although the rooms remain small, some appear to have basic amenities such as fans and windows.
He also shows viewers how some residents bathe on the boat, using buckets to draw river water before washing themselves.
Viewers Question the $1 Accommodation
Hugh’s videos have generated a wide range of reactions online, with viewers debating whether the extremely low price makes the unusual accommodation worthwhile.
Some commenters focused on the cramped rooms and basic sanitation, while others joked about the risks involved. Several viewers questioned why someone with sufficient money would choose such inexpensive accommodation.
At the same time, others argued that the price itself makes the experience interesting, particularly for travellers looking for something far outside conventional hotel stays.
One recurring theme in the comments was the question of expectations: what can travellers realistically expect from accommodation costing only 120 taka a night?
Hugh’s videos ultimately give viewers a look at a lesser-known side of accommodation in Dhaka, where floating boats serve not only as temporary lodging but also as longer-term living spaces.
