Cox's Bazar is more than just the longest beach in the world; it is a place where sea, sky, and hills meet
in peace.
You can take a morning walk along Laboni Beach and then board a boat that will take you towards the blue
waters of St. Martin's Island. It is calming and full of life here at all times.
People come for the beach, but they stay for the feeling. Time moves differently in this town, dictated by a
slow, peaceful rhythm. There are green hills and gentle waterfalls. You will find local markets and seafood
that tastes like the ocean itself beyond the sand.
This guide will help you find the best things to do in Cox's Bazar. You will learn where to go, what to see,
and how to make the most of every moment.
You can do a lot of activities at
Cox's Bazar sea beach. For instance, Laboni Beach and
Inani's coral rocks are the perfect places to relax and enjoy Himchari's hill views, scenic drives on Marine
Drive, and day trips to St. Martin's Island.
01
Take a walk on Laboni and Kolatoli Beach
Cox's Bazar has Laboni and Kolatoli. These wide, sandy areas are great for a morning walk or an evening by
the sea. The sound of the waves and the soft light of sunset make the beach feel alive and calm.
You can rent a beach chair and drink coconut water. Or you can try some local snacks from small stands.
People come together for photos and seafood dinners in the evening, and the area fills with music and
laughter.
Local tip: Keep your things close and try the fresh crab fry from the stalls by the beach.
02
Go to Inani Beach to relax and see coral stones
The town is about 25 kilometers north of
Inani Beach. One side of Marine Drive has
beautiful views of the sea, and the other side has green hills. The beach is quiet and not too crowded.
Which makes it a great place to take pictures or relax.
How to get there: Rent a car or CNG from the town. It takes about 40 minutes to drive. The
rocks look best in the late afternoon when the sun is setting. If you want to walk across the coral stones
more easily, go when the tide is low.
03
Go to the Hill Viewpoint and Himchari Waterfall
Himchari waterfall is about 12
kilometers south of the town of Cox's Bazar. There are green hills, a small waterfall, and a place to look
out over the sea in the park. It's great for a short hike and taking pictures.
Take a CNG or a car from town to get there. It takes about half an hour. The cost to get in is between 40
and 50 BDT.
The best time to go is in the morning or after it rains when the waterfall is flowing.
Local tip: For the short climb to the viewpoint, wear shoes with a good grip.
04
Take a drive down Marine Drive
Marine Drive is a beautiful road that runs along the coast for 80 kilometers. You can see the sea on one
side and the hills on the other. There are a few places along the way where you can take pictures and buy
tea.
To get there, rent a car or jeep in Cox's Bazar town. The whole trip takes about 3 to 4 hours.
The best time to go is in the afternoon until sunset.
Local tip: Stop at small cafes and viewpoints to take pictures and enjoy the view.
05
Go on a day trip to St. Martin's Island
Bangladesh only has one coral island, and that is St. Martin's Island. You can walk along the shore, relax
on the sandy beach, and get a close look at coral formations.
To get there, drive to Teknaf (about two hours) and then take a ferry to the island in the morning. Each
ticket costs between 500 and 600 BDT.
November to March is the best time to go.
Tip from a local: Bring water and sunscreen. Come back before the sun goes down, because the ferries
stop running at night.
06
Look into the Burmese market
The Burmese Market is a fun place to shop
near the main beach. You can buy things like dried fish, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. It shows a little
bit of how people live and what they do in the area.
You can walk or take a rickshaw from Laboni or Kolatoli Beach to get there.
The best time to go is in the evening. Because most stores are open and the market is busy.
Tip for the area: Ask for the best price politely.
07
Don't miss parasailing and other water sports
Parasailing, jet skiing, and
speedboat rides are some of the fun things to do in Cox's Bazar. It's a fun way to see the ocean from above
and have a good time on the water.
You will find these water sports activities in Kolatoli
Beach.
The best time to go is in the morning, when the wind is steady and the water is calm.
Tip from the locals: Always check the safety gear and go with licensed operators.
08
Visit Laboni Beach to watch the sun set
One of the best places to watch the sunset is Laboni Beach. The sky turns orange and pink over the waves.
This makes a calm and lovely scene.
How to get there: Most hotels in town are close enough to walk or take a rickshaw to get there. The best
time to go is between 5:00 and 6:00 PM, depending on the time of year.
Tip from a local: Bring a camera or phone because the sunset is great for taking pictures.
09
Eat fresh seafood by the beach
You must try seafood in Cox's Bazar. Many restaurants on the beach serve fresh fish, shrimp, and lobsters
that come straight from the sea. You can eat outside right by the sand.
There are many ways to get to Kolatoli and Laboni Beach. The best time to go is for dinner in the evening.
If you want the freshest seafood, ask for the catch of the day.
10
Visit Maheshkhali Island
Maheshkhali is a small island. It is close to Cox's Bazar. It is known for its temples, salt fields, and
peaceful fishing villages. You can learn about the culture and way of life in the area.
Take a boat from the jetty near Cox's Bazar town to get there. The best time to go is between morning and
early afternoon.
Tip from a local: Go to Adinath Temple to see the whole island from above.
11
Explore Sonadia Island
Sonadia Island is a quiet place with fewer people. People
know it for its mangroves, birds, and quiet beaches. People who love nature can spend a quiet day away from
the busy tourist areas.
To get there, take a local boat from
Maheshkhali Island. The best time to go is between November
and February, when the weather is nice.
Tip from a local: There aren't many stores on the island. So bring food, water, and sun
protection.
12
Go to Radiant Fish World
The first marine aquarium in Bangladesh is
Radiant Fish World. It shows a lot of different
kinds of fish and other marine life that live in the Bay of Bengal. This is great for families and kids.
How to get there: It's close to Kolatoli Beach and easy to get to by rickshaw or car. The best time
to go is in the morning or the afternoon.
Tip from a local: Buy tickets ahead of time on weekends to avoid long lines.
13
Have a barbecue dinner by the beach
A lot of hotels and resorts in Cox's Bazar have BBQ nights.
While you listen to the waves, you can eat grilled prawns, lobsters, and fish. Top hotels and restaurants
like Sampan Resort in Cox’s Bazar organize
candlelight dinners on the beach. You can also enjoy
that.
How to get there: You can find it at resorts on Kolatoli and
Laboni Beach. The best time to go is at night after sunset.
Tip from a local: Reserve a table ahead of time to get a spot by the beach.
14
Get on a Sampan Boat
Traditional small wooden boats called sampans run along the coast and nearby rivers. You can take peaceful
rides, see the sunset, and get a different view of the beaches.
How to get there: The Laboni Beach and Marine Drive area has them. Best time: Late afternoon for
sunset views.
Tip from the locals: Talk about the price before you get on.
15
Go to the Ramu Buddhist Temple and Monastery
Cox's Bazar is about 16 km from Ramu. It is well-known for its Buddhist temples, pagodas, and handicrafts
made by locals.
How to get there: Drive or take a CNG from town; it takes 30 to 40 minutes. The best time is from
morning to afternoon.
When you go to a religious site, dress modestly and be respectful of the rituals.
Tips & advice for visiting Cox’s Bazar
Cox’s Bazar is the best place to explore. Some excellent hotels and resorts offer budget-friendly and
luxury beachfront stays. Here are some important tips
and advice for the Cox’s Bazar tour.
Try to plan your trip in the cooler months, usually from November to March. The heat isn’t too harsh then,
and the beach feels more pleasant.
Hotels around Laboni and Kolatoli get booked fast, especially
on weekends and holidays. If you don’t book early, you may have to settle for something far from the
beach.
It’s worth choosing a place to stay that’s close to the sea. Walking down in the morning or late evening,
without needing a ride, makes the trip feel easier. Sampan Beach Resort & Cafe is an excellent choice for
a memorable stay.
Don’t miss the local seafood. A small eatery might serve you fresher fish than a fancy hotel. Grilled
lobster or fried pomfret tastes the best when cooked simply.
The sun can be strong in the middle of the day. A hat, sunglasses, and some sunscreen can save you from
burning.
Carry a bit of cash in your hand. Shops and rickshaws don’t always take cards, and ATMs sometimes run out
of money during busy holidays.
If you plan to visit Saint Martin’s, please arrange the boat tickets a day in advance. Boats usually leave
Teknaf in the morning, and seats fill up quickly.
Let’s explore Cox’s Bazar
Cox’s Bazar is more than just a beach holiday. It’s a mix of sea, hills, food, and people. If you give it
enough days, you’ll find hidden corners and stories that make the place special. Sampan Beach Resort & Cafe
is the best beachfront stay, offering a lot of
excellent features and amenities.
If you’re here, don’t miss walking along the long sea beach, visiting Inani and Himchari, and, of
course, a boat trip to Saint Martin’s. Food lovers should try the seafood, and for a different vibe,
head to the Burmese Market or join a beachside BBQ.
Yes, many hotels and resorts set up candlelight dinners right by the sea. With the waves crashing
nearby and the night sky above, it makes for a really special evening.
You’ll find parasailing at a few locations on the coast. It’s safe when arranged by licensed
operators and gives you a stunning view of the coastline from above.
BBQ is a favorite here. Sampan Beach Resort & Cafe often hosts seafood BBQ nights, but you’ll also see small
groups grilling fresh fish right on the beach in the evenings.
Most travelers prefer November to March. The weather is cooler, the sea stays calm, and it’s easier
to enjoy long walks, sightseeing, and island trips.
You’ll need to first travel to Teknaf by road. From there, ferries and speedboats take visitors
across to Saint Martin’s Island. The boat ride itself is part of the fun.
Definitely. Families enjoy the wide beach, the hill views at Himchari, shopping at the Burmese
Market, and the short trips to nearby islands. Kids especially love the open space to run around.
Seafood is a must—lobster, prawns, pomfret, or crabs fresh from the sea. Also, try local fish
curries and the famous “shutki” (dried fish) that locals prepare with a spicy kick.
Generally, yes. The main beach area is lively until late evening. Avoid walking alone in very quiet
places, stick to busy spots, and keep a watch on your belongings.
This is because it is home to the longest sandy beach in the world—stretching over 120 km. Add to
that the fresh seafood, nearby islands, and a mix of sea and hills, and you’ll see why people love
it.
Discover Cox’s Bazar travel itineraries for families for 3-day stay. Explore beaches, sightseeing, food & kid-friendly activities to make your trip memorable.
Looking for a kid-friendly resort in Cox’s Bazar? Sampan Beach Resort & Cafe offers safe rooms, family packages, and a calm stay for children and parents. Call us now!
