1. Overview & Best Time to Visit
Cox’s Bazar is home to the world’s longest natural sandy beach, stretching roughly 120 km along the Bay of Bengal.The best time to visit is during winter months (November–February) when weather is pleasant, dry, and perfect for beach activities. Try to avoid the intense heat and humidity of April–June, as well as monsoon rains from June–September
2. Top Attractions & Places to Visit
Beaches & Coastal Sights
- Marine Drive (Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf): An 80 km long coastal road offering stunning sea views—perfect for scenic drives or scooter rides
- Kolatoli Beach: Ideal for water sports, jet skiing, and evening excitement. Lined with cafés and eateries
- Laboni & Sugandha Beaches: Central and lively spots, especially at sunset. Sugandha also features a vibrant food stall scene
- Inani Beach: About 18 km south, known for coral stones and clearer, quieter beach—a peaceful escape
- Himchari Waterfall & Beach: Around 12 km from town, this combines a waterfall with a coastal setting—visiting during monsoon yields the best views
- Moheshkhali Island & Adhinath Temple: A peaceful spiritual site ideal for day trips
- Saint Martin’s Island: Accessible via boat from Teknaf, known for white sandy beaches, snorkeling, and coral beauty
- Dulahazara Safari Park: A 2,224-acre park in Chakaria, featuring elephants, tigers, deer, crocodiles, and more-great for wildlife lovers.
Markets & Culture
- Burmese Market: A vibrant marketplace at Tekpara offering souvenirs, handicrafts, and especially pickles from Myanmar. Over 300 shops to explore
3. Accommodation & Budget Guide
Type |
Price (BDT/night) |
Features |
|---|---|---|
Budget/Guesthouses |
800–1,500 (≈ $10–18) |
Shared/basic rooms, ideal for tight budgets |
Mid-range Hotels |
3,000–5,000 (≈ $36–60) |
Private rooms with amenities like AC, Wi-Fi |
Luxury Resorts |
8,000–20,000 (≈ $96–240) |
High-end features: pool, spa, beachfront access |
Camping/Tents |
500–1,000 (≈ $6–12) |
Beachside camping for a unique experience |
Special Suggestions
- Budget hotels like Sea Crown, Kollol, and Media International offer comfort near the beach, typically for $35–$70/night
- Backpackers can opt for hostels and guesthouses in the $15–$30/night range
- On Kolatoli Beach, some hotel rates are 20–30% lower than in busier areas
- Inani Bay Resort offers a premium, tranquil stay (8,000–15,000 BDT/night) for peace seekers
- Tip: Negotiate direct-booking discounts of 30–40%—especially effective for 3+ night stays
4. Dining & Local Cuisine
Restaurants Worth Trying
- Poushee Restaurant: Known for authentic Bengali seafood cuisine
- Mermaid Café: Beachfront vibe and diverse menu including seafood and continental dishes
- Jhawban Restaurant: Great for Bengali and Thai dishes—especially seafood platters
- Sea Crown Restaurant: Rooftop dining with ocean views and mixed menu
- Salt Bistro, Handi, Sea Mount Beach Café, and Coral Station all offer flavorful regional and international meals in scenic settings
- Buzzing street stalls along Sugandha and Laboni serve grilled prawns, fried fish, and fuchka for a local touch
Local Flavors to Savor
- Rui Maacher Kalia, Chingri Malai Curry, Hilsha Fry, Lobster Grill, Shutki Bhuna, Beef Kala Bhuna, and other regional seafood delights are unforgettable .
Estimated Meal Costs
- High-end meals: $15–$25 (1,600–2,700 BDT).
- Mid-tier: $5–$10 (550–1,100 BDT).
- Street food: $1–$3 (100–330 BDT)
5. Transportation & Getting Around
Getting Here
- By Air: Flights from Dhaka take about 55 minutes and are the fastest option
- By Road: Buses from Dhaka cost 900–2,500 BDT and take 10–12 hours; from Chittagong, about a 5-hour ride
- By Train: Travel to Chittagong, then bus/taxi to Cox’s Bazar—no direct train route
Local Travel Options
- CNG Rickshaws: Typically cost 50–200 BDT per ride, depending on distance
- Tomtoms (Electr. Rickshaws): Even cheaper and eco-friendly for short hops
- Private Cars/Jeep: Ideal for group day trips—around 2,500–4,000 BDT/day including fuel & driver
- Open Jeeps to Inani: Shared rides cost 500–800 BDT/person, or 1,500–2,500 BDT/day for private hire
- Scooters/Motorbike Rental: Around 1,300–1,500 BDT for ~8 hours
6. Activities & Money-Saving Tips
Activities to Enjoy
- Water Sports: Jet skiing (500–1,000 BDT for 10–15 mins), banana boat, and speedboat rides
- Paragliding: Available near Himchari during high season for around 2,000–3,000 BDT
- Beach Horse Riding, ATV rides-especially around Kolatoli
- Wildlife Viewing: Dulahazara Safari Park is great for spotting elephants and tigers in natural habitat
Travel Hacks
- Early booking saves ~30% during peak times
- Direct hotel negotiation often slashes prices by 30–40%
- Shoulder seasons (Feb–Apr, Sep–Nov) mean fewer crowds and better deals
- Bundle deals may include meals, transfers, or guides
- Use local apps like Pathao for rides; bKash/Nagad for payments; Foodpanda for food delivery
7. Traveler Insights (from real Reddit tips)
- Hotel Sea Alif on Kolatoli: 2,500-4,000 BDT/night.
- Day hire of “chander gari”(open jeeps): 2,500-3,500 BDT covers Inani, Himchari, Mini-Bandarban
- Inani: Less crowded, serene, ideal for relaxed beach time
- Transport inside: CNGs around 300–500 BDT per trip.
- Radiant Fish World aquarium: Fun family activity with entry-300 BDT.
- Seafood meals: Expect 500–1,000 BDT per person.
- Shopping tip: Always check pickles and sweets carefully before buying; carry sunscreen, water, and stay sun-safe
Final Tip: Crafting Your Ideal Trip
Plan for 3–5 days to explore beaches, islands, markets, and wildlife.Mix of experiences: A day of water sports, a peaceful Inani visit, a safari excursion, and local foodie exploration.
Stay flexible with transportation and accommodations-engage locals and negotiate deals.
0 Comments