Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach
Cox’s Bazar, located in the Chattogram Division of Bangladesh, is home to the world’s longest unbroken natural sea beach. This district, with an area of 2,491.86 square kilometers, is traversed by five rivers: Matamuhuri, Bakkhali, Rezu, Kohaliya, and Naf. It also features five islands: Maheshkhali, Kutubdia, Sonadia, St. Martin’s, and Shahpori Island.
The 120-kilometer (75-mile) long beach of Cox’s Bazar is the longest natural sea beach globally. One of its main features is the sandy stretch without any muddy areas. Adjacent to the sandy shore, there are souvenir shops enriched with corals, shells, and other marine treasures. Cox’s Bazar is not just about its beach; it also offers attractions like the Burmese Market, Hilltop Rest House, Laboni Point, Himchari’s waterfalls, the rocky beach of Inani, Naikhyangchari Lake with its suspension bridge, Ramu Buddhist Monastery, rubber plantations, Dulahazara Safari Park, Kolatoli Beach, the Long Marine Drive, Radiant Fish Aquarium, Dariyanagar, the enchanting coral island of St. Martin’s, Sonadia Island, Maheshkhali—a hilly island, Lama Para Buddhist Cave in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar Buddhist Temple, the historic Kana Raja’s Cave, and the Rakhine ethnic village. These attractions draw tourists time and again to visit Cox’s Bazar. In addition to these sights, tourists can enjoy recreational activities such as horse riding on the beach, speed boating, water biking, motorbiking, paragliding, surfing, and more. Particularly noteworthy are the scenic spots visible along the Long Marine Drive road from Cox’s Bazar city, which include natural waterfalls, sea views, and hills. For shopping, there are unique markets like the Burmese Market, where Rakhine women manage shops selling handcrafted goods and curios. Other popular shopping destinations include the Shell Market, a hub for shell craft products.
Cox’s Bazar is also culturally diverse, with several indigenous communities adding to its charm. Among these, the Chakma community is prominent. The nearby area of Ramu features significant Buddhist temples, serving as sacred pilgrimage sites. These temples house rare and exquisite Buddhist statues, making them a key attraction for visitors. Additionally, the Bakkhali River flows through Cox’s Bazar, playing a vital role in the local fishing industry. Beyond its stunning beach, Cox’s Bazar is renowned as one of the healthiest places in Bangladesh, combining natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant marine life.
| The segments of Cox’s Bazar Beach | |
| Laboni Point | When talking about the beaches of Bangladesh, the image that first comes to mind is the old Sea Beach, also known as Laboni Point. It is the go-to destination for Bengalis eager to experience the sea. Visitors from various parts of the country take buses to Cox’s Bazar, alighting at Kolatoli Sea Beach Road, and from there, they can reach the beach by rickshaw or on foot. Due to its proximity to the city, Laboni Beach is considered the main beach of Cox’s Bazar. The area adjacent to the beach is lined with numerous small and large shops showcasing a variety of items, which attracts tourists. Additionally, the Shell Market has been established here for visitors. These markets feature an assortment of goods brought through border trade from countries like Myanmar, Thailand, and China, offering tourists a unique shopping experience. |
| Kolatoli Beach | Kolatoli Beach is another popular tourist attraction in Cox’s Bazar. Located within the city, it draws visitors of all ages who come to bathe in the sea and enjoy the natural beauty. Kolatoli Beach offers various amenities for tourists, including a range of restaurants serving different cuisines. Walking along the beach on a moonlit night is especially thrilling and enjoyable for people of all ages. All vehicles heading to Cox’s Bazar enter the city through the Kolatoli Point, making it a significant access point for travelers. |
| Sugandha Point |
To the north of Kolatoli Point lies Sugandha Point, home to the popular Burmese Market. In the past, this area had many seafood restaurants serving dishes made from fresh catches, but the government later removed them. Another attraction at Sugandha Point is the Hanging Restaurant, which adds to its charm. |
| Dariyanagar |
Near Himchari National Park lies Dariyanagar Beach, through which a waterway flows. Dariyanagar Beach is popular for parasailing, making it a favorite destination for adventure enthusiasts. |
| Himchari Beach |
Just 12 kilometers south of Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach lies the Himchari Tourist Spot, nestled at the foot of the hills. This beach, known as Himchari, is quieter and cleaner compared to Cox’s Bazar. Its beauty is equally captivating. However, the most thrilling and scenic aspect of Himchari is not just the beach itself but the journey from Cox’s Bazar to Himchari. On one side of the road stretches the vast sandy beach and the open sea, while on the other side lies a row of lush green hills. Between them runs the paved Marine Drive, offering a breathtaking view that is unmatched anywhere else in the country. A visit to Cox’s Bazar without traveling along this route feels incomplete. From the hilltops at Himchari, visitors are greeted with a stunning view of the endless blue sea meeting the horizon. One of the main attractions of Himchari is the Christmas Tree, which draws considerable attention. In recent years, several tourist centers and picnic spots have also been developed in the area, enhancing its appeal to visitors. |
| Inani Beach |
Inani Beach, stretching 18 kilometers (11 miles), is located in the Ukhiya Upazila of Cox’s Bazar district. It lies approximately 28 kilometers south of Cox’s Bazar city. The beach is adorned with numerous coral stones in shades of green and black, adding to its unique charm. |
| Teknaf Beach |
Teknaf Beach is located in the Teknaf Upazila of Cox’s Bazar district. This section is different from the other parts of Cox’s Bazar. Situated along the shores of the Teknaf Mangrove, the beach is surrounded by lush greenery. The beach is divided into several sections, with notable ones including:
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History of Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach
From the early 9th century until 1616, before the Mughal annexation, a large part of Chattogram, including Cox’s Bazar, was part of the Arakan Kingdom. Mughal Emperor Shah Suja, while traveling to Arakan via mountain roads, was captivated by the natural beauty of Cox’s Bazar and ordered the establishment of a camp there. Nearly a thousand palanquins of his caravan were stationed at a place in Chakaria, Cox’s Bazar, called Dulahazara, which means “a thousand palanquins.” After the Mughals, Tripura and Arakan ruled the area, followed by the Portuguese and then the British.
The name Cox’s Bazar is derived from Captain Hiram Cox, an officer of the British East India Company. The area was previously known as Palanqui. After the British East India Company’s Ordinance of 1773 was issued, the Governor of Bengal was appointed, and Hiram Cox was made the Chief Administrator of Palanqui. Captain Cox worked on resolving the century-old conflicts between the Arakanese refugees and the local Rakhine people. He also made significant progress in the resettlement of refugees, but unfortunately, he passed away in 1799 before completing the task. To honor his contributions to the resettlement efforts, a market was established in his name, called Cox’s Bazaar, which eventually became the name of the town. Cox’s Bazar was first established as a police precinct in 1854, and a municipality was formed in 1869.
| When to go |
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| Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach is a mesmerizing and picturesque shoreline that changes its appearance every moment. Tourists visit throughout the year, as the beach’s charm never fades. Whether it’s winter, monsoon, spring, or summer, there is no season when the beach doesn’t transform. It looks one way at dawn and another at noon. Every day, numerous local and international tourists come to visit this beach. However, the best time to visit Cox’s Bazar is from October to March. During this period, rainfall is minimal, and the weather is not too hot, making it the most favorable time for tourists. |
| Special advice |
Before going to Cox’s Bazar, check the weather forecast. Every year, there are incidents of fatalities due to swimming in the sea. Therefore, avoid going too deep into the sea while swimming, stay as close to the shore as possible, and remain cautious. Losing balance in the waves can turn life-threatening. Do not talk to any unfamiliar women or strangers on the beach late at night, as it could lead to trouble. Even if you’re with a woman on the beach late at night, you could still get into difficult situations. When purchasing or carrying items, always haggle over the price. Do not take pictures of locals without permission. Avoid engaging in arguments with locals. Keep the beach environment clean by not littering with shells, plastic items, or bottles. If necessary, carry a life jacket with you as corals are generally sharp.
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| Special Precautions |
| There are several hidden canals between Laboni Point and Kolatoli Beach. The width of Cox’s Bazar beach varies, reaching 200 meters (660 feet) during high tide and 400 meters (1300 feet) during low tide. During low tide, sandbars emerge, making the area dangerous. Most tourists unfortunately lose their lives during low tide due to carelessness. It is advisable to avoid swimming on the beach during low tide. By following the signals from the safety posts, you can stay safe while swimming. Red and green flags are raised according to the tide timings at the posts. Green flags indicate safe conditions for swimming. |
| Distance from various divisional cities of the country |
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| Dhaka | 396 km (Dhaka – Chittagong Highway Root) |
| Rajshahi | 646 km (Dhaka – Chittagong Highway Root) |
| Rangpur | 695 km (Dhaka – Chittagong Highway Root) |
| Sylhet | 506 km (Dhaka – Chittagong Highway Root) |
| Mymensingh | 513 km (Dhaka – Chittagong Highway Root) |
| Khulna | 495 km (Barisal – Feni Root) |
| Barisal | 391 km (Feni Root) |
| Chittagong | 151 km (Chittagong – Cox’s Bazar Highway Root) |
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Ways to travel from Dhaka |
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| Bus |
Bus Stands:-
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Buses:-
(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time) |
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| Train |
Trains from Dhaka- Trains from Dhaka Kamalapur or Airport Railway Station to Cox’s Bazar Station-
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| Air Plane |
Air Planes:- Flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Cox’s Bazar Airport-
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Ways to travel from Rajshahi |
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| Bus |
Bus Stands:-
Buses:-
(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time) |
| Train |
(Since there is no direct train service from Rajshahi to Cox’s Bazar, you will need to go to Dhaka first and then take a train to Cox’s Bazar.) Trains to Dhaka:-
(As you have to catch the Dhaka mail train. So it is better to go to Dhaka by fast express from Natore first) |
| Air Plane |
Air Planes: Flights from Rajshahi Airport to Cox’s Bazar Airport-
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Ways to travel from Rangpur |
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| Bus |
Bus Stands:-
Buses:-
(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time) |
| Train |
(Since there is no direct train service from Rangpur to Cox’s Bazar, you will need to go to Dhaka first and then take a train to Cox’s Bazar.) Trains to Dhaka:-
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| Air Plane |
(To fly directly to Cox’s Bazar, you will need to travel to Saidpur Airport, which is 40 km away from Rangpur city.) Airplanes:
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Ways to travel from Sylhet |
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| Bus |
Bus Stands:-
Buses:-
(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time) |
| Train |
(Since there is no direct train service from Sylhet to Cox’s Bazar, you will need to go to Dhaka or Chattogram first.) Train to Dhaka:-
(Train schedules and operating days are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check before traveling.) Train to Chittagong:-
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| Air Plane |
Air Planes: Flight from Sylhet Airport to Cox’s Bazar Airport-
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Ways to travel from Mymensingh |
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| Bus |
Buses:-
(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time) |
| Train |
(Since there is no direct train service from Mymensingh to Cox’s Bazar, you will need to go to Dhaka or Chattogram first.) Train to Dhaka:-
(Train schedules and operating days are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check before traveling.) Train from Chittagong:-
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| Air Plane |
(Since there is no direct flight service from Mymensingh, you will need to travel to Dhaka first and then take a flight from there.) Air Planes:-
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Ways to travel from Khulna |
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| Bus |
Bus Stands:-
Buses:-
(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time) |
| Train |
(Since there is no direct train service from Khulna, you will need to travel to Dhaka first and then take a train from there.) Train to Dhaka:-
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| Air Plane |
(To fly directly to Cox’s Bazar, you will need to first travel to Jessore Airport from Khulna city.) Air Planes:-
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Ways to travel from Barisal |
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| Bus |
Bus Stands:-
Buses:-
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| Air Plane |
Air Planes:-
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Ways to travel from Chittagong |
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| Bus |
(Since Cox’s Bazar is part of the Chattogram division, many local buses from the city to Cox’s Bazar, as well as buses from all over Bangladesh, pass through Chattogram, making it easy to find numerous coach buses.) Bus Stands:-
Buses:-
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| Train |
(All trains from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar go through Chattogram.) Trains:-
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| Air Plane |
Air Planes:-
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Accommodation and food arrangements |
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(There are all kinds of accommodation and food arrangements available in Cox’s Bazar city.) |
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| Residential Hotels |
High-quality hotels:-
Mid-range hotels:-
Budget Hotels:-
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| Restaurants |
Notable restaurants:-
Additionally, there are many other new and old restaurants. |
| Note: With the passage of time, many new hotels and restaurants for accommodation and dining are being established. | |
Advantages of traveling are-
- Advanced communication system.
- Facilitate spending quality time with family/couple or friends.
- Beautiful and pleasant environment.
- If Necessary, Take Water Bottle, Umbrella Or Raincoat And Water Proof Bag.
- Get Full Charge On Mobile, Torch, Power Bank.
- With The Help Of A Local Guide You Can Tour The Whole Region Beautifully.
- Don’t Forget To Take Necessary Materials For Trekking.
- Travel In Groups Of At Least 6 People.
Note- Beware of all kinds of brokers/scammers. Be very careful on the way so as not to get into any kind of danger. In case of any problem, take the help of local administration or call the National Emergency Service of Bangladesh – 999.
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