BD
Cox’s Bazar
Bangladesh’s main beach resort, on a sandy coastline that runs for about 120km along the Bay of Bengal
Bangladesh’s main beach resort, on a sandy coastline that runs for about 120km along the Bay of Bengal
⚠️ Travel advisory: check before you go
The US asks travellers to reconsider travel to Bangladesh because of unrest, crime and terrorism, and parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts are restricted for foreigners. Check the latest advice before planning.
Latest official advice: UK FCDO · US State Department · Reviewed September 2026
About 30km south of town, this beach has rocks and coral stones along the shore and is quieter than the main beach.
Photo: Tanvir Rahat, CC BY-SA 4.0
Green hills meet the sea in Himchari National Park, with a viewpoint above the beach and a small waterfall that flows mainly after the monsoon.
Photo: Moheen Reeyad, CC BY-SA 4.0
A coastal road of about 80km between Cox’s Bazar and Teknaf, with the sea on one side and hills on the other.
Photo: RockyMasum, CC BY-SA 3.0
Bangladesh’s only coral island lies off Teknaf. To protect it, the government limits the visitor season and daily numbers, so check the current rules before planning a trip.
Book ships through registered operators.
Photo: Khondoker Zobaed, CC BY 4.0
The railway from Chattogram reached Cox’s Bazar in late 2023, with direct trains from Dhaka. The station building is shaped like an oyster shell.
Photo: Captain Raju, CC0
Fresh seafood is the speciality: try grilled pomfret, prawns, crab and loitta (Bombay duck) fry. Many restaurants let you choose your fish from the display.
The Burmese market area sells local snacks and dried fish.
Cox’s Bazar Airport has frequent flights from Dhaka (about 1 hour). Direct trains run from Dhaka and Chattogram, and long-distance buses from Dhaka take 10–12 hours.
Avoid the camp areas of Ukhia and Teknaf unless you have permission and a reason to be there. Many nationalities, including UK, EU and US citizens, can get a single-entry visa on arrival at Dhaka airport, at the immigration officers’ discretion; you need a return ticket and proof of funds. Applying in advance through a Bangladeshi embassy is the safer option. Your passport needs at least six months’ validity. Check current rules and travel advice before you go.
Bangladesh uses the taka (BDT). It is one of the cheapest countries in Asia for travellers, though good hotels in Dhaka are priced close to international levels. Carry cash outside the big cities. Hotel prices rise sharply in the winter season and on holidays.
Prices are approximate.
Beaches and the coast road.
Walk the main beach at Laboni or Sugandha Point and watch the sunset.
Drive south to Himchari and Inani Beach, stopping at fishing villages.
Take a trip to Saint Martin’s Island in season, or spend a quiet day on the beach.
Currents can be strong; swim only where lifeguards are on duty.
Swimwear is unusual on public beaches; many people swim in clothes.
Avoid public holidays if you want a quieter stay.
Check current travel advice for the Ukhia and Teknaf areas.
Quick answers for planning time in Cox’s Bazar.
About 120km of almost continuous sand, from the town south towards Teknaf.
By plane (about 1 hour), by direct train, or by overnight bus.
Yes, but only in the permitted season and within daily visitor limits; check the current rules.
Swim only in lifeguarded areas, as rip currents can be strong.
November to February, when the weather is dry and the sea is calmer.
Offline maps help where mobile data is patchy, especially in rural areas.
Free
Bengali (Bangla) is spoken everywhere; English is used in hotels and offices.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Bangladesh travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.