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Cox's Bazar, বাংলাদেশ - Things to Do in Cox's Bazar

Things to Do in Cox's Bazar

Cox's Bazar, বাংলাদেশ - Complete Travel Guide

Cox's Bazar is home to the world's longest natural sandy beach, stretching over 120 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal in southeastern Bangladesh. This coastal paradise combines pristine beaches with rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. The town serves as the gateway to both beach activities and nearby attractions like Buddhist temples and tribal communities. Beyond its famous coastline, Cox's Bazar provides access to diverse experiences including fresh seafood cuisine, vibrant local markets, and stunning sunset views over the bay. The area has developed into Bangladesh's premier beach destination while maintaining its authentic local character, making it an ideal spot for both domestic and international travelers seeking a tropical getaway with cultural depth.

Top Things to Do in Cox's Bazar

Beach Activities and Water Sports

Enjoy the expansive sandy shores of the world's longest beach with activities like swimming, beach volleyball, and horse riding. The gentle waves make it perfect for families, while various water sports operators offer jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. Early morning and late afternoon provide the most comfortable conditions for beach activities.

Booking Tip: Water sports cost 500-2000 BDT per activity. Book directly with beach operators for better rates, and always negotiate prices. Best times are early morning (6-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid midday heat.

Himchari National Park and Waterfall

Explore this coastal national park featuring tropical forests, wildlife, and a beautiful waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs. The park offers hiking trails through diverse ecosystems and provides excellent opportunities for bird watching and photography. The waterfall is most impressive during and just after the monsoon season.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is 20 BDT for locals, 300 BDT for foreigners. Visit during monsoon or post-monsoon (June-November) for the best waterfall experience. Hire local guides for 500-800 BDT for better wildlife spotting.

Inani Beach and Coral Stone Beach

Visit this quieter stretch of coastline known for its golden sand, coral stones, and clear blue waters. Inani Beach offers a more serene alternative to the main Cox's Bazar beach, with opportunities for shell collecting and peaceful walks. The area is perfect for those seeking a more secluded beach experience.

Booking Tip: Accessible by local bus (50-80 BDT) or CNG auto-rickshaw (300-500 BDT) from Cox's Bazar town. Best visited as a day trip; carry water and snacks as facilities are limited. Early morning visits offer the most pristine conditions.

Sunset Point and Marine Drive

Experience breathtaking sunsets along the scenic Marine Drive, a coastal road offering panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal. The area features several viewpoints and cafes where visitors can relax while watching the sun dip below the horizon. The drive itself provides stunning coastal scenery and photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Free to access, though parking may cost 20-50 BDT. Visit 30 minutes before sunset for the best experience. Rent a bicycle (150-200 BDT/day) or take a rickshaw (200-300 BDT) for a leisurely tour along Marine Drive.

Local Markets and Seafood Experience

Immerse yourself in local culture by exploring bustling fish markets and enjoying fresh seafood at beachside restaurants. The markets offer a glimpse into daily life while restaurants serve delicious preparations of locally caught fish, prawns, and crabs. This experience combines cultural immersion with culinary delights.

Booking Tip: Fish markets are most active early morning (5-8 AM). Seafood meals cost 300-800 BDT per person at beachside restaurants. Look for busy local spots for the freshest options, and always check prices before ordering.

Getting There

Cox's Bazar is accessible by air, road, and bus from major Bangladeshi cities. The domestic airport receives daily flights from Dhaka (1 hour) and Chittagong (30 minutes), with tickets ranging from 8,000-15,000 BDT. By road, luxury buses operate from Dhaka (8-10 hours, 800-1,500 BDT), Chittagong (4 hours, 400-600 BDT), and other major cities. Private cars and hired vehicles are also available but take similar times due to road conditions.

Getting Around

Local transportation includes CNG auto-rickshaws (50-200 BDT for short distances), cycle rickshaws (30-100 BDT), and rental bicycles (150-300 BDT per day). For longer distances to beaches like Inani, local buses are available (50-100 BDT). Many hotels offer bicycle rentals, and walking is pleasant along the beach areas. Motorbike rentals (500-800 BDT per day) are available for more adventurous travelers, though traffic can be chaotic during peak season.

Where to Stay

Beach Road Area
Hotel Motel Zone
Kolatoli Beach
Sugandha Beach
Laboni Beach
Inani Beach Area

Food & Dining

Cox's Bazar's dining scene revolves around fresh seafood, with beachside restaurants offering grilled fish, prawns, and crab preparations alongside traditional Bangladeshi cuisine. Popular spots include the Hotel Motel Zone and beachfront areas where you can dine with ocean views. Local specialties include chitol fish curry, dried fish preparations, and various prawn dishes. Street food stalls offer affordable options like fuchka, chotpoti, and fresh fruit juices. Prices range from 100-300 BDT for street food to 500-1,500 BDT for full seafood meals at restaurants.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Bangladesh

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Amrit restaurant

4.7 /5
(1567 reviews)
spa

The Grove Bistro

4.5 /5
(1556 reviews) 3

Breeze Restaurant

4.5 /5
(1188 reviews)

Kacchi Bari

4.5 /5
(890 reviews)

The Garden Kitchen at Sheraton Dhaka

4.5 /5
(788 reviews)

The Dining Lounge Uttara

4.6 /5
(664 reviews) 2

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Cox's Bazar is from October to March when the weather is dry, sunny, and comfortable with temperatures between 20-30°C. This period offers the best beach conditions with minimal rainfall and gentle sea breezes. The monsoon season (June-September) brings heavy rains and rough seas, making beach activities difficult, though the landscape becomes lush and waterfalls are at their best. April-May can be quite hot and humid, while December-February offers the most pleasant weather but also attracts the largest crowds.

Insider Tips

Visit Inani Beach early morning for the most pristine experience and better photography lighting before day-trippers arrive
Bargain for everything including rickshaw rides, souvenirs, and even hotel rates, especially during off-peak seasons
Try the local specialty 'shutki' (dried fish) curry at traditional restaurants, but ask for mild spicing if you're not used to very spicy food

Explore Activities in Cox's Bazar