Cox's Bazar
The world's longest natural sea beach
Overview
Cox's Bazar is home to the longest unbroken natural sea beach on the planet, running for roughly 120 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal. The gentle slope of the shore, the warm water, and the spectacular sunsets make it the most popular holiday destination in Bangladesh, drawing millions of visitors every year.
The main beach is divided into points — Laboni, Sugandha and Kolatoli — each lined with hotels, deck-chairs and food stalls. As you travel south along the coast the crowds thin out, the cliffs rise, and the scenery becomes wilder at Himchari and Inani. The famous Marine Drive, hugging the shore between hills and sea, is one of the most beautiful road journeys in the country.
Beyond the sand, Cox's Bazar is a working fishing town. Trawlers unload their catch at the harbour, dried-fish (shutki) markets perfume the air, and oyster-shell handicrafts fill the souvenir stalls. The nearby Aggmeda Khyang Buddhist monastery and the Ramu temple complex reflect the rich cultural blend of the region.
History & Culture
The town is named after Captain Hiram Cox, an officer of the British East India Company who was appointed superintendent of the area in the late 18th century to resettle refugees. A market — a 'bazar' — established in his memory eventually gave the town its name.
Long before the British, this stretch of coast was part of the historic Arakan kingdom, and the region retains a strong Buddhist heritage visible in the monasteries and the Rakhine communities who still live in and around the town.
Top things to do in Cox's Bazar
Walk the main beach at sunset
Start at Laboni Point and stroll south as the sky turns gold. Sunset is the signature Cox's Bazar experience — bring a camera and settle in with roasted corn or fresh coconut.
Drive the Marine Drive to Inani & Teknaf
Hire a car or jeep for the 80 km coastal highway between hills and sea. Stop at Inani Beach to see the coral-like rock formations exposed at low tide.
Visit Himchari National Park
Just south of town, Himchari offers a seasonal waterfall and a hilltop viewpoint over the Bay — best in or just after the monsoon when the falls are full.
Take a day trip to Maheshkhali Island
A short boat ride brings you to this hilly island known for its Adinath temple, Buddhist pagodas, betel-leaf farms and salt fields.
Try water sports & beach activities
Parasailing, jet-skis, banana-boat rides and beach bikes are all available around Sugandha and Kolatoli points.
Eat your way through the seafood
Grilled lobster, coral fish, crab and prawns are everywhere. The Burmese Market is the place for handicrafts, pickles and snacks.
Cox's Bazar in pictures
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective Creative Commons licences. Click a photo credit for the source and full licence terms.
Highlights
- ✓Laboni, Sugandha & Kolatoli beach points
- ✓Himchari waterfall and cliff viewpoint
- ✓Inani Beach coral-like rocks
- ✓Marine Drive coastal road to Teknaf
- ✓Fresh seafood and the dried-fish bazaar
- ✓Sunset over the Bay of Bengal
How to get to Cox's Bazar
Cox's Bazar Airport has daily flights from Dhaka (about 1 hour) and Chattogram. It is the fastest and most comfortable option.
Luxury and AC coaches run overnight from Dhaka (roughly 9–11 hours) and from Chattogram (about 4 hours). The road is well served by many bus operators.
A direct rail line from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar now operates; alternatively take a train to Chattogram and continue by bus along the highway.
Best time to visit Cox's Bazar
The cool, dry winter season from November to March is by far the best time to visit, with calm seas, comfortable temperatures and clear skies — ideal for swimming and long beach days.
April to June is hot and humid. The monsoon (June to September) brings heavy rain and rough surf, though the landscape turns lush and hotel rates drop sharply.
Expect large domestic crowds during national holidays and the winter peak — book accommodation well in advance for those periods.
Where to stay
Kolatoli and Sugandha points have the highest concentration of hotels, from budget guesthouses to five-star resorts. For quieter surroundings, look at the resorts strung along the Marine Drive towards Inani.
What to eat
- 🍽️Grilled coral fish, lobster and crab
- 🍽️Shutki (dried-fish) curries — a regional specialty
- 🍽️Fresh coconut water on the beach
- 🍽️Rakhine and Burmese dishes near the Burmese Market
Travel tips
- 💡Swim only in flagged areas and respect lifeguard warnings — currents can be strong.
- 💡Agree on prices before water sports, beach photos or rickshaw rides.
- 💡Dress modestly away from the beach; this is a conservative town.
- 💡Carry cash, as smaller stalls and the Marine Drive area may not accept cards.
Nearby Attractions
Bangladesh's only coral island, reached by boat from Teknaf at the southern end of the Marine Drive.
A quieter stretch of coast about 30 km south, famous for its rock formations and calmer atmosphere.
A hilly island across the bay with temples, pagodas and betel-leaf gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cox's Bazar famous?+
Cox's Bazar has the longest unbroken natural sea beach in the world, stretching about 120 km along the Bay of Bengal. It is Bangladesh's most popular beach destination, known for its sunsets, seafood and the scenic Marine Drive.
What is the best time to visit Cox's Bazar?+
The best time is the dry winter season from November to March, when the weather is cool, the sea is calm and skies are clear. Avoid the monsoon (June–September) if you want to swim and sunbathe.
How do I get to Cox's Bazar from Dhaka?+
You can fly (about 1 hour), take an overnight AC coach (roughly 9–11 hours), or use the direct Dhaka–Cox's Bazar train line. Flying is the fastest and most comfortable option.
How many days do you need in Cox's Bazar?+
Two to three days is ideal — enough to enjoy the main beach, drive the Marine Drive to Inani, visit Himchari, and take a side trip to Maheshkhali or Saint Martin's Island.
