Discovering Cox’s Bazar – Bangladesh’s Beach Paradise
About Cox’s Bazar
Cox’s Bazar, located on the southeastern coast of Bangladesh, is home to one of the world’s longest uninterrupted natural sea beaches – stretching approximately 120 km. dainikcoxsbazar.com+2thetravelerbd.com+2 The combination of golden sands, rolling hills, lush forested backdrops and the sea makes it a unique destination in the country. Whether you’re a beach-lover, an adventurer or simply looking for a relaxing escape, Cox’s Bazar offers a mix of experiences.
So whether you’re planning a solo trip, a family holiday or a romantic getaway, here’s your full guide to making the most of Cox’s Bazar: how to get there, when to go, what to see and do, where to eat and stay, budget breakdown, plus essential tips.
Getting There — Direction & Transport
Reaching Cox’s Bazar is quite straightforward from major Bangladeshi cities.
From Dhaka or Chittagong:
By bus: Several bus companies run from Dhaka (approx 10–12 hours) to Cox’s Bazar. thetravelerbd.com+1
By train + bus: You can get a train to Chittagong and then bus to Cox’s Bazar — scenic but slower. thetravelerbd.com+1
By flight: Domestic flights from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar Airport (CXB) take under an hour. thetravelerbd.com
Once you arrive:
Local transportation includes CNG auto-rickshaws, local buses and bike/scooter rentals. visitbangladesh.com.bd+1
For exploring surrounding beaches/hills, consider hiring a “tourist jeep” or using ride-sharing services if available.
Helpful direction tips:
If you travel by road, leave early to avoid traffic.
Book bus/train/flight tickets ahead for peak seasons.
For remote beaches/hills (like Inani, Himchari) check transport availability.
Best Time to Visit
Knowing when to go will influence how much you enjoy Cox’s Bazar.
Ideal season:
The best months are November to February, when the weather is pleasant (cooler, less humid) and beach conditions are good. Laure Wanders
From March to April, it becomes hotter and more humid.
The monsoon season (roughly May to September) brings heavier rainfall and the seas may be rougher — still possible if you don’t mind showers, but less ideal. Laure Wanders+1
Why this matters:
Clear skies and calm sea → better for beach time and photography.
Off-peak months may bring lower prices and fewer crowds.
Rainy season may limit some outdoor/hill-trail activities.
Top Places to Visit
Cox’s Bazar is not just one beach – there are several distinct spots and nearby attractions worth exploring.
1. Laboni Beach
The main beach area, highly accessible from town. Good for first-time visitors. Includes food stalls, camel/horses for rides, beach shops. dainikcoxsbazar.com+1
2. Sugandha Beach
Another popular zone, particularly lively in the evening. Great for beachside snacks, rides and mingling with locals/travellers. dainikcoxsbazar.com
3. Inani Beach
About 32 km from the town, Inani is quieter, less commercialised and popular for its coral stones and more tranquil vibe. dainikcoxsbazar.com
4. Himchari National Park
Located about 12 km from town – offers lush hills, trails, waterfall views and nature. Good for a break from the beach. dainikcoxsbazar.com+1
5. Nearby Islands & Hidden Gems
St. Martin’s Island: A coral island reachable by boat; perfect for snorkelling and a relaxed stay. itsholidaysltd.com+1
Visit the “marine drive” along the coast and explore smaller beaches/less-crowded points.
Top Things to Do
Once you’re there, you’ll find plenty to fill your trip with memorable experiences.
Beach time & water fun
Sunbathing, swimming (in safe zones) and relaxing by the sea.
Beach rides: camel, horse or even local boats for short trips. (Check safety).
Sunset watching – the long coastline allows for stunning views.
Nature & trails
Himchari National Park: hike the trails, see waterfalls, enjoy elevated sea views.
Inani Beach walk: especially when tide is low, the coral stones show up beautifully.
Explore local life & markets
Visit the local seafood market in the evening – browse, choose fresh seafood to be barbecued.
Street food stalls near the beach: try local snacks, grilled fish, etc.
Walk along the beach front in the evenings when it cools down; there’s a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
Scenic drives & photos
Marine Drive along the coast offers photo-ops of sea and hills together.
Visit less crowded beaches if you want a quieter experience.
Relaxation & local culture
Spend time in a beach-side resort lounging, watching sea, reading, napping.
Try local Bengali/Malay cuisine in the sea-front restaurants.
If you stay longer, consider boat trips to nearby islands.
Food & Dining
Food is an essential part of the experience at Cox’s Bazar — especially given its coastal location and seafood abundance.
What to eat:
Fresh seafood: fish, prawns, crabs – often grilled/barbecued right by the beach.
Local Bengali coastal cuisine: try dishes with fish, rice, local spices.
Street food & snacks: fried items, beach-side stalls, coconut water, etc.
Where to dine:
Beachfront restaurants near Laboni or Kolatoli beaches: convenient and lively.
Smaller local eateries in the town – cheaper and more authentic.
Resort restaurants: if staying at a higher-end hotel, treat yourself to a more upscale meal.
Tips for food lovers:
Try to check how fresh the seafood is; ask what day’s catch it is.
Night markets & evening food stalls give you ambience + variety.
If you have dietary restrictions: check ahead—seafood is so dominant that vegetarian options may be limited.
Hygiene counts: use bottled water for drinking, ensure food is cooked well.
Stay & Cost Breakdown (Budget Guide)
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay, with tips for different budgets.
Accommodation costs (approximate):
Budget guesthouses / hostels: around BDT 800–1,500 (~USD 9–18) per night for a basic room with shared bathroom. bongoinfo.com+1
Mid-range hotels: around BDT 3,000–5,000 (~USD 35–60) per night for a comfortable private room with private bathroom. bongoinfo.com+1
Luxury resorts / premium hotels: BDT 8,000–20,000 (~USD 95–240) or more per night with amenities like pool, beach-front rooms, etc. bongoinfo.com+1
Daily budget estimate by traveller type:
Budget traveller: Staying in basic guesthouse, eating local food, using public transport → ~USD 20-30/day (or less) possible. (Some guides even show ~$10/day for very basic). visitbangladesh.com.bd
Mid-range traveller: Comfortable hotel, good meals, some activities → maybe USD 50-100/day.
Luxury traveller: Resort stay, fine dining, private tours → USD 150+ per day.
Other cost items:
Transport within area: Local rides are cheap; rentals cost more if you explore remote beaches.
Activities & extras: Boat trips, sea-drives, snorkelling, etc may add extra cost.
Food: Street food is very cheap; restaurants cost more.
Conclusion & Travel Tips
Cox’s Bazar truly offers something for every kind of traveller — from budget backpackers to luxury holiday makers. But to make your trip smooth and memorable, here are some final tips:
Plan early for the best season (Nov-Feb) and book accommodation/transport ahead.
Stay safe: When swimming, stick to safe zones; be cautious at night and avoid walking alone on isolated beaches.
Bargain & compare: For local transport and services, bargaining helps. Locals advise caution on rides/ATV/horse-rides. Reddit
Pack right: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, a hat, water bottle; beach sun is strong, and humidity can be high.
Respect local culture: Dress modestly when off the beach, be polite to locals and watch your behaviour especially in less-touristy zones.
Try local experiences: Eat local seafood, explore smaller beaches, take a sunset walk, soak in nature.
Mind your budget: If you’re on a tight budget, guesthouses + street food + public transport make Cox’s Bazar very affordable.
Explore beyond the main beach: The real beauty often lies in the quieter beaches and nature spots outside the main town.
Respect the environment: The long beach, the forested hills and coastal ecosystem are fragile. Leave no trace.
Visiting Cox’s Bazar is more than just a beach holiday — it’s a mix of sea, sand, nature, culture and adventure. Whether you’re there for a couple of days or a longer stay, you’ll come away with memories of wide-open sea views, golden sands, local flavours and the gentle rhythm of coastal Bangladesh.
Happy travels, and may your trip to Cox’s Bazar be the beach escape you’ve been dreaming of!