Khairul Alam ; Desk Report – Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach is the longest natural sea beach in the world and the most popular tourist destination in Bangladesh.

This 120-kilometer-long unbroken beach captivates domestic and foreign tourists with its surging waves and mesmerizing sunsets. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists visit this spectacular destination.

Best Time to Visit

While winter is generally the most popular time to visit, Cox’s Bazar is a destination you can visit year-round. You can experience the different moods of nature during the heavy monsoons, under the blue skies of autumn, or on a full moon night in late autumn.

Traveling outside the peak winter season offers a great advantage: discounts on hotel bookings and overall lower travel costs.

How to Reach Cox’s Bazar

You can easily travel to Cox’s Bazar by bus, train, or air from Dhaka.

• By Bus: Several operators like Saudia, S. Alam Mercedes Benz, Green Line, Hanif Enterprise, Shyamoli, and Shohagh Paribahan run AC, non-AC, and sleeper buses. Fares range from 1,100 BDT to 2,700 BDT.
• By Train: You can take the “Cox’s Bazar Express” (departs at night, arrives in the morning) or the “Parjatak Express” (departs at dawn, arrives in the afternoon) directly from Dhaka’s Kamalapur or Airport railway stations. The journey takes about 9 hours. Ticket prices are 695 BDT for Shovon Chair, 1,325 BDT for AC Snigdha, and 2,380 BDT for AC Berth. Advance booking is highly recommended.
• By Air: Biman Bangladesh, Novoair, Air Astra, and US-Bangla Airlines operate direct flights from Dhaka. Fares usually range from 4,599 BDT to 12,000 BDT.
• Via Chittagong: You can also travel via Chittagong, taking a bus from Natun Bridge, Dampara, or the GEC Intersection (Non-AC: 420-720 BDT; AC: 800-1,000 BDT) or by hiring a reserve microbus.

Where to Stay

Cox’s Bazar has a hotel capacity of around 150,000 people. While off-season rooms are easy to find on arrival, it is best to book in advance between December 15 and January 15.

• Premium (4-5 Star) – 6,000 to 30,000 BDT: Ramada, Mermaid Beach Resort, Sayeman Beach Resort, Ocean Paradise, Long Beach, Cox Today, Heritage, etc..
• Mid-Budget (2-4 Star) – 3,000 to 6,000 BDT: Hotel Sea Crown, Sea Palace, Seagull, Coral Reef, Nitol Resort, etc..
• Budget Hotels – 1,000 to 3,000 BDT: Urmi Guest House, Ikra Beach Resort, Media Inn, Kallol, Nilima Resort, etc..
• Sea View Hotels: Rooms offering direct ocean views are available but cost comparatively more.

Accommodation Tips:

During the off-season, hotel rates can drop to less than half. For cheaper options, look for hotels located slightly away from the beach and main road, such as the lanes opposite Long Beach Hotel near Kalatali.

Avoid relying on rickshaw or CNG drivers for hotel recommendations; instead, verify information through hotel websites or Facebook pages.

For family trips, AC/Non-AC flats (2-4 bedrooms with kitchens) are available for 2,000 to 15,000 BDT per day.

Tour Plan & Activities

• Beach Activities: Enjoy walking on the beach, sunbathing, and taking in the mental peace provided by the ocean. For the full experience, make sure to spend time on the beach during sunrise and sunset. Always be cautious and check the tide schedules before getting into the water.
• Attractions: Take a speedboat ride amidst the waves for 100-250 BDT, or hire beach photographers to capture your memories. You can also buy souvenirs from the nearby Burmese Market.
• Nearby Tourist Spots: Plan afternoon visits to Inani Beach and Himchari Waterfall. Depending on your schedule, you can also explore Moheshkhali, Kutubdia, Ramu Buddhist Temple, Teknaf, or St. Martin’s Island.

Where to Eat

Most top-tier hotels have their own restaurant services. If you want to dine outside, mid-range restaurants like Rodela, Jhaubon, Dhansiri, Poushi, and Niribili are highly recommended. Standard set menus cost around 200-350 BDT, while meals featuring seafood and special items will cost about 300-500 BDT. Please note that food prices may fluctuate depending on the tourist season.

• Standard Set Menu: 200–350 BDT (2-3 USD)

• Seafood Special Meals: 300–500 BDT (3-5 USD)

🛣️ Marine Drive & Infrastructure News

• Marine Drive Expansion: The government is currently widening the first 32km stretch of the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive from 3.7m to 7.3m. This project aims to ease traffic for tourists exploring the coastal scenic route.

• Maheshkhali Bridge: Construction has officially begun on the bridge over the Cox’s Bazar–Maheshkhali channel, which will eventually replace the need for boat crossings to visit the Adinath Temple.

🚄 New Era of Rail Travel (2026 Updates)

The Cox’s Bazar Iconic Railway Station, shaped like a giant oyster, is now fully operational with enhanced facilities. Recent upgrades in early 2026 include:

• Integrated Facility Management: The station now features a modern departure lounge, luggage lockers, and baby care rooms.

• Security: High-tech X-ray scanners have been fully integrated at all entry points to ensure passenger safety.

• On-Site Hotel: The 3rd floor of the station now hosts a 39-room hotel for travelers who arrive late or need a quick transit stay.

Updated 2026 Train Fares (Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar):

• Shovon Chair: 695 BDT

• AC Snigdha: ~1,449 BDT (Slightly adjusted for 2026)

• AC Berth: ~2,656 BDT

• Trains: Cox’s Bazar Express & Parjatak Express.

Accommodation Tips:

• Off-season rates can drop by 50% or more.

• For cheaper options, look for hotels in the lanes opposite Long Beach Hotel near Kalatali.

• Avoid relying on rickshaw/CNG drivers for recommendations.

• Family flats (2-4 bedrooms) are available for 2,000 to 15,000 BDT/day.

Tour Plan & Activities

• Beach Activities: Enjoy sunbathing or a serene walk. Always check tide schedules before entering the water.

• Attractions: Speedboat rides cost 100–250 BDT. Hire beach photographers to capture memories or visit the Burmese Market for souvenirs.

• Nearby Spots: Plan afternoon visits to Inani Beach and Himchari Waterfall. If time permits, explore Moheshkhali, Kutubdia, Ramu Buddhist Temple, Teknaf, or St. Martin’s Island.

Best Time to Visit

While winter ( November to February) is generally the most popular time to visit, Cox’s Bazar is a destination you can visit year-round. You can experience the different moods of nature during the heavy monsoons, under the blue skies of autumn, or on a full moon night in late autumn.

Pro Tip: Traveling outside the peak winter season offers a great advantage—discounts on hotel bookings and overall lower travel costs.

Quick Travel Tips:

• Safety: Only swim in designated zones marked by green flags. Avoid the sea if you see red flags.

• Booking: For peak seasons (Dec-Jan), book your train and hotel at least 15–20 days in advance.

• Transport: Inside the city, “Easy Bikes” (Electric Rickshaws) are the most convenient. Always negotiate the fare before starting.