Why Cox's Bazar
Cox's Bazar is Bangladesh's best-known beach town, stretched along a sandy coastline that runs for roughly 120 km from the town itself down towards Teknaf. The beach is wide, gently sloping, and backed in many places by green hills, which gives the southern stretches a different feel from the busy hotel strip in town. For most domestic travellers it is the default holiday spot, so expect a lively, sometimes crowded atmosphere rather than a secluded resort island.
Beyond the sand, the area offers a good mix of day trips: Buddhist temples in Ramu, the island of Maheshkhali, the hillside waterfall at Himchari, and the scenic Marine Drive road that hugs the coast for around 80 km.
Getting There
By air
The fastest option from Dhaka is a direct flight to Cox's Bazar Airport, which takes about an hour. US-Bangla Airlines, Biman Bangladesh, Novoair, and Air Astra have all operated the route, with several departures a day in peak season. Fares vary widely, so booking a week or two ahead usually helps. The airport is only a few kilometres from the Kolatoli hotel zone, and a CNG or taxi transfer is short.
By train
Since the rail link opened in late 2023, direct intercity trains run from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar's iconic shell-shaped station. The journey takes roughly 8-10 hours. Tickets are sold online through Bangladesh Railway's official e-ticketing system and tend to sell out fast around holidays.
By bus
Overnight AC and non-AC coaches from operators such as Green Line, Shyamoli, and Hanif leave Dhaka's Sayedabad, Arambagh, and Kalabagan areas every evening. Expect 10-12 hours. From Chattogram the ride is about 4-5 hours.
What to Do
- Walk the main beach at sunset. Sugandha and Kolatoli points are the social heart of town, with horse rides, beach chairs, and snack stalls.
- Drive Marine Drive. Hire an open jeep or CNG for the coastal road to Himchari (small waterfall and hilltop viewpoint) and Inani (rocky beach, clearer water at low tide).
- Visit Ramu. Roughly 15-20 km away, Ramu has old Buddhist monasteries and a large reclining Buddha statue, an easy half-day trip.
- Take a boat to Maheshkhali. Speedboats cross from the town jetty in around 15-20 minutes to this island known for its hilltop Adinath temple and salt fields.
- Browse the Burmese market. Stalls near the town centre sell Rakhine handicrafts, pickles, and sandals.
Where to Stay
Budgets are well covered here. Backpackers and groups on a tight budget will find plenty of guesthouses around Kolatoli and Laboni; Hotel Beach Park, a small two-star hotel on Kolatoli Main Road near Sugandha Point, is a simple, walkable option close to the beach. In the mid-range, Hotel Sea Crown sits right on Marine Drive at Kolatoli New Beach, with a restaurant and sea-front rooms, which suits couples and families. If you want space and quiet, head south to Inani, where Sea Pearl Beach Resort & Spa is a large five-star resort with pools, a water park and a private beach.
Prices rise sharply during winter weekends and Eid holidays, so book early if your dates are fixed.
Food
Seafood is the highlight. Beachfront restaurants display the day's catch, and you pick what you want cooked. Look for rupchanda (pomfret), lobster, tiger prawns, crab, and crispy loitta (Bombay duck) fry. Always confirm the price by weight before it goes on the grill. Small eateries in town serve affordable Bengali set meals, and dried fish from the local market is a popular take-home souvenir.
Getting Around
Easy-bikes (battery rickshaws) and CNG auto-rickshaws cover short hops between the town, Laboni, Sugandha, and Kolatoli. For Himchari and Inani, open-top jeeps and CNGs can be hired by the hour or day. Agree fares in advance, as meters are not used.
Practical Tips
- Rip currents are a genuine hazard. Swim only between the lifeguard flags and never after dark.
- Carry some cash. ATMs are common in town but thinner along Marine Drive.
- Dress modestly away from the beach; it is a conservative, family-oriented destination.
- Sun is strong even in winter, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and water.
- If you're considering Saint Martin's Island, check the latest government restrictions first, as access has been limited in recent seasons.
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