Cox’s Bazar unfurls in a ribbon of sand for over 100 kilometers—often called the world’s longest natural sea beach. The town took its name from Captain Hiram Cox, an 18th-century British officer who aided local communities; today, fishing fleets, salt fields, and seaside life still set the daily rhythm. Expect amber sunsets, surfable breaks, and seafood pulled from the Bay of Bengal that morning.

Beyond the beach, the Marine Drive between Cox’s Bazar and Teknaf is one of South Asia’s most scenic coastal roads. It threads past Himchari’s forested cliffs and Inani’s wave-washed rock beds, perfect for tide-pooling and photography. Offshore, Moheshkhali Island mixes Buddhist, Hindu, and coastal traditions—its hilltop Adinath Temple and island pagoda are worth the quick boat hop.

Practical notes: Peak season runs November–March with mild, dry weather; June–September can bring monsoon swells and limited boat service. Swim near lifeguards and heed red flags; currents can be strong. Dress modestly off the beach, skip anything made from shells of protected species, and carry cash for small vendors (ATMs are available in town).

Cox’s Bazar

Why go now? Cox’s Bazar blends classic beach holiday vibes with authentic Bangladeshi coastal life—colorful fish markets at dawn, grilled pomfret at night, and surfing lessons in between. The sand is broad and walkable, and there’s always a quieter stretch a few minutes away.

• Top sights: Laboni, Sugandha, and Kolatoli beaches; Himchari National Park; Inani Beach; Moheshkhali Island (Adinath Temple, island pagoda, salt pans); Radiant Fish World (family-friendly aquarium).
• Eat and drink: Seek shutki (dried fish) specialties, grilled lobster and prawn, mezban-style beef from the wider Chattogram region, and fresh coconut water on the beach.
• Fun fact: Local surfers—many trained by the pioneering Surf Girls of Cox’s Bazar—offer affordable lessons near Kolatoli and Sugandha.

Where to stay: For sea views and resort comforts, consider Sayeman Beach Resort, Ocean Paradise Hotel & Resort, Long Beach Hotel, Mermaid Beach Resort, or Sea Pearl Beach Resort (Inani). Browse and book:

• VRBO Cox’s Bazar stays – villas and apartments near the beach or tucked in greener pockets.
• Hotels.com Cox’s Bazar hotels – from seafront resorts to budget-friendly city stays.

Getting there (typical routing via Dhaka):

• Flights: Dhaka (DAC) to Cox’s Bazar (CXB) is about 55–65 minutes on Biman Bangladesh, US-Bangla, or NOVOAIR. Expect ~$40–90 one-way. Search and book: Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com flights.
• Train: The new route linking Dhaka/Chattogram to Cox’s Bazar is operating; journeys are typically 8–10 hours from Dhaka (check current timetables and classes). Explore options: Trip.com trains.
• Bus: Premium coaches (e.g., Saintmartin Paribahan/Green Line) run 10–12 hours from Dhaka; ~$12–18 one-way. Road is scenic but longer than flying.

Pre-arrival essential (optional):

Staying connected makes ride-hailing and maps effortless:

Bangladesh Data eSIM (0.5GB daily to 50GB)

Receive a QR code in minutes and activate on arrival—handy if your phone is eSIM-compatible.

Day 1: Arrival, Laboni & Sugandha Beach Sunsets

Morning: Fly into Cox’s Bazar (arriving early afternoon). From the airport, it’s about 25–40 minutes to Kolatoli/Laboni by taxi or ride-hail (typically 500–900 BDT). Check in and refresh at your hotel.

Afternoon: Start with a beachfront stroll at Laboni and Sugandha Beaches—the most animated sections with umbrellas, tea stalls, and beach snacks like chotpoti and fuchka. If you’re traveling with kids (or a curious heart), Radiant Fish World showcases local marine life; budget 60–90 minutes (entry commonly ~500–700 BDT, confirm on site).

Evening: Time the sunset for golden hour photos—watch fishermen haul in nets and horse riders trace silhouettes along the surf. For dinner, try Poushee for homestyle Bangla platters (think steamed rice, fish curry, prawn, vegetables) or the breezy Mermaid Café for grilled crab, prawn skewers, and fresh juices. Night owls can browse the Laboni Beach Market for shell-free souvenirs, local textiles, and cashew nuts.

Day 2: Marine Drive to Himchari & Inani (Scenery, Tide Pools, and Beach Cafés)

Morning: Fuel up at Salt Bistro & Café (eggs, paratha, coffee) or your hotel buffet. Hire a car with driver (4,000–7,000 BDT for the day) or a CNG auto-rickshaw (1,500–2,500 BDT for a shorter loop) and set out on the Marine Drive. First stop: Himchari National Park for coastal views, short forest walks, and seasonal waterfalls (carry water; park entry often ~100–200 BDT for foreigners).

Afternoon: Continue to Inani Beach, known for wave-smoothed corals and photogenic rock beds. Slip off your shoes to explore tide pools at low tide—watch for crabs and tiny fish. For lunch, try a simple beachside “live fish” stall (you choose; they grill) or sit-down dining at a resort restaurant near Inani; expect 300–1,200 BDT per person depending on seafood choice.

Evening: Linger for a quieter sunset at Inani, then return to town. For dinner, consider Jhaubon Restaurant for fresh fish thali and shutki specialties, or Ocean Paradise’s rooftop for mixed grills with a view. If conditions permit and operators are active, ask locally about parasailing or ATV rides near Sugandha—most run seasonally and stop at dusk; prices vary (~3,000–5,000 BDT for parasailing when available).

Day 3: Moheshkhali Island, Hilltop Temples, and Departure

Morning: Head to the jetty (ask your hotel for the current pier; trips often depart from 6 No. or nearby) and take a speedboat to Moheshkhali Island (15–25 minutes; roughly 100–300 BDT per person, or 2,000–4,000 BDT for a private boat). Visit the Adinath Temple on a small hill for coastal panoramas, then the island’s Buddhist pagoda. Along the way, you’ll pass salt pans, betel-leaf plots, and quiet villages—great for photos, especially in the early light.

Afternoon: Return to Cox’s Bazar for a last seafood lunch—popular choices include grilled lobster, pomfret, or rui with rice and bhorta (spiced mashes). Pick up snacks like badam (peanuts) or dried fruits from beachside vendors, then pack up and check out. Airport transfers typically take under 40 minutes; aim to arrive 1.5–2 hours before your flight.

Evening: If you have a late departure, squeeze in a coffee near Kolatoli or one final beach walk. Prefer to get active? Ask about a quick beginner surf lesson near Sugandha or Kolatoli; typical 60–90 minutes with board included runs ~1,500–2,500 BDT depending on group size and conditions.

Coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas (sprinkle these through your days):

• Breakfast/Coffee: Salt Bistro & Café for espresso drinks and eggs; hotel bakeries for pastries; fresh coconuts and cha (tea) beachside.
• Lunch: Poushee for Bangla set meals; a “live fish” roadside grill along Marine Drive; resort cafés near Inani for ocean-view lunches.
• Dinner: Mermaid Café for relaxed seafood and juices; Jhaubon Restaurant for aromatic curries and shutki; rooftop dining at Ocean Paradise for a breezy finish.

Local logistics and tips: Cash is king at small stalls; carry small notes. Sun is strong—use reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a light coverup. Respect beach flags and avoid swimming at river mouths or during rough seas. For boats to islands, weather can cancel departures—confirm morning-of.

Optional Add-On in Dhaka (before/after Cox’s Bazar)

If your international flight routes via Dhaka and you have an extra day, consider an immersive Old Dhaka experience.

Authentic Old Dhaka Day Tour with Shipyard Visit

Explore alleyway bazaars, riverside life on the Buriganga, and the city’s layered Mughal-to-colonial heritage—an eye-opening counterpoint to your beach time.

How to book transport for this trip: For domestic and international flights, check Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com flights. For trains within Bangladesh (where available), see Trip.com trains.

Seasonal check: St. Martin’s Island boats typically run in the dry season (roughly Nov–Mar) from Teknaf; it’s too ambitious for this 3-day plan but makes a great extension if you add days and the sea is calm.

Wrap-up: In three days you’ll taste the best of Cox’s Bazar—soft sand, cliff views, rocky coves, and an island interlude—without rushing. Come for the sunsets; stay for the seafood, road trips along Marine Drive, and a warm coastal culture that moves at the tide’s pace.