A 155-kilometer golden beach meets the Bay of Bengal, with Buddhist monasteries, waterfalls in Himchari National Park, and Bengal tigers in nearby safari parks. Local seafood and traditional markets add to the coastal charm.
Cox's Bazar stretches along Bangladesh's southeastern coast, where a 155-kilometer beach runs uninterrupted along the Bay of Bengal. You can walk barefoot on the golden sand, swim in the warm waters, or take a speedboat ride near Laboni Point. Beyond the beach, you'll find waterfalls cascading through Himchari National Park and Bengal tigers roaming in Sheikh Mujib Safari Park. At the Aggmeda Khyang monastery, monks maintain centuries-old Buddhist practices.
Getting to Cox's Bazar
Flights from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport take 50 minutes to reach Cox's Bazar. You can also travel by road or rail from Chittagong. While buses and private cars are cheaper options, they take longer due to frequent traffic congestion on Bangladesh's highways.
Beach Sections and Activities
The main beach area spans several points, each with distinct characteristics. At Kolatoli Point, restaurants and hotels line the shore near Dolphin Intersection. Laboni Point buzzes with beachgoers who come for horseback rides (200-300 taka per ride) and speedboat excursions. At Sugandha Point, you'll find the Burmese Market selling local crafts and a Fly Dining restaurant suspended above the beach. For parasailing, head 8 kilometers south to Darianagar, near the Himchhori waterfall.
Natural Attractions
Himchari National Park sits 5 kilometers south of Cox's Bazar town. Walking trails wind through rainforest and grasslands, leading to several waterfalls that flow strongest during monsoon season. At Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park, 2,224 acres of hills and valleys contain Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and various deer species. The park opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Buddhist Sites
The Aggmeda Khyang monastery welcomes visitors to observe its bronze Buddha statues and collection of handwritten manuscripts. In Ramu, 10 kilometers from Cox's Bazar, a 200-year-old Buddhist temple houses carved wooden panels and meditation halls. Local artisans in Ramu continue making bamboo crafts and hand-rolled cigars in small workshops you can visit.
Food Scene
Seafood dominates local menus, with restaurants serving fresh catches from the Bay of Bengal. A typical meal includes white rice (Shada Bhaat), yellow lentils (Daal), and mashed vegetables or fish (Bhorta). Try the local specialty Shutki Bhorta, made from sun-dried fish and red chilies. Most restaurants along Beach Road serve both Bengali and international dishes, with prices ranging from 200-1000 taka per meal.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Cox's Bazar experiences six distinct weather patterns throughout the year. Summer (March-May) temperatures reach 32°C, ideal for swimming and beach activities. Monsoon season (June-October) brings heavy rainfall, making outdoor exploration difficult. Winter months (November-February) stay around 15-25°C, with clear skies and gentle breezes, making it comfortable for walking and sightseeing.
