Cox's Bazar.
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Overview

Cox's Bazar is a beach resort in the Chittagong Division in south-eastern Bangladesh. It has one of the longest sea beaches in the world, 120 km (75 miles) long.

Understand

For Bangladeshis it doesn't get much better than Cox's Bazar, the country's most popular beach resort. Sort of a Cancun of the east, it's choc-a-bloc with massive cement hotels and gaudy overdevelopment catering largely to the country's elite. To a foreigner it likely won't compare to other beach vacations you may have taken, but it's still interesting to see how the Bangladeshis live it up. The beach is crowded, especially near the Hotel Motel Zone, a large cluster of more upmarket hotels. Expect lots of attention, and expect to stay fully clothed.

30 km south is Inani Beach. Things should be quieter here, but still expect to draw some attention.

Get in

About 150 km south of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar is connected both by air and road from Dhaka and Chittagong.

By plane Non-Stop flights are available from Chittagong and Dhaka on Biman Bangladesh Airlines (State owned) or US-Bangla Airlines Flights tend to be daily during the high season (Oct - Apr) and 3-4 flights per week during the Summer and Monsoon (May - Sept).

By bus The main bus terminal is a few km east of the central town area, about a 15-minute / Tk 10 rickshaw ride. Local buses head to Chittagong (Tk 120, 4 hours) and Teknaf (Tk 70, 3 hours).

The private bus companies have offices near Hotel Sea Queen on the main road, and also down in the Hotel Motel Zone.

By rail Direct train services also available between Dhaka and Cox's Bazar, offering a convenient travel option for visitors. Two trains operate on this route: the Parjotok Express and the Coxs Bazar Express. The Parjotok Express departs from Dhaka at 6:15 AM daily, except on Sundays, and returns from Cox's Bazar at 8:00 PM. On the other hand, the Coxs Bazar Express leaves Dhaka at 10:30 PM daily, except on Mondays, and departs from Cox's Bazar at 12:30 PM. These trains provide a comfortable journey with scenic views.

Get around

They'll ask for at least Tk 20, Tk 15 is a fair enough middle ground.

See

Miles of golden sand, towering cliffs, surfing waves, colorful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, delightful seafood — this is Cox's Bazar, the tourist capital of Bangladesh.

Do

Cox's Bazar Surf Club Resort, Surf & Cafe. Surf lessons, surf boat. Lodge.

Buy

There are lots of shops in the Hotel Motel Zone catering to Bangladeshi tourists. Things made of sea shells are very popular and also sold by vendors on the beach, but think twice about encouraging such an environmentally-destructive practice.

You can also check out the Burmese Market, but don't expect a lot of handicrafts. The traditional Burmese dresses and fabrics are definitely interesting. Besides that, you will find some stores which sell pearl jewellery. You can also try some local beauty products (sandal wood based), hand woven textile and bedsheets among many other things.

However, a better bet would be to buy articles of interest from the mobile vendors who will most likely approach you while you are relaxing in front of the beach. They not only have good products, but the prices offered are also cheaper than the same in the markets.

Dried fish is a protein-rich delicacy, and can be bought from the main market in Cox's Bazar. There are also a few shops near the hotel-motel zone, but it is better to buy from the main market.

Eat

Jhawban Restaurant and Poushee Restaurant, next door to each other on Hotel Sayeman Rd just south of Sea Beach Rd, serve similarly excellent Bangladeshi food including fried fish, a Cox's Bazar speciality. Both restaurants are wildly popular, especially at lunch time. Poushee is probably one of the best restaurants in Cox's Bazar, and serves delicious seafood. Meals Tk 60-130.

Mermaid Café. Lunch and dinner until 19:00. Overlooking the beach south of Hotel Media International, this newish cafe is friendly and laidback and probably the coolest place to hang out in the area. If it were anywhere else its prices would put it out of business, but here it's taka well spent. It has several sitting areas and hammocks, and a creative menu including crepes and savory pancakes, and seafood-heavy mains like shrimp salad, pastas and fish pizza for Tk 250-400. Delicious fresh juices are around Tk 80 and filter coffee and espresso around Tk 50. The music is occasionally dubious but they're open to requests.

Sea Stone Café. As the only two-storey building on the beach-front, Sea Stone Café offers superb 180 degree views of the Cox’s Bazar beach. Its top deck is the best place in town to watch the sun set over the Bay of Bengal. Quality Western and Asian dishes are on offer, as well as fresh juices, coffee and tea. Entrées include grilled prawns, calamari and niçoise salad. Serves home-made pasta, pizza, chicken and beef, along with prawns, calamari, crab, lobster and fish. The staff are friendly, although the service can be slow.

Rannaghar Restaurant. Home-cooked type meal experience. The seating area might not give much of a vibe, but the food is very good and something that you can related to locally. Try their bhortas, curries and fish items. Better to ask the waiter for recommendations based on your taste. The prices are reasonable for the service and food quantity they are serving.

Drink

Alcohol is available in a few locations in Cox's Bazar. The following hotels have bars which generally open from 19:00: Seagull Hotel, Hotel Sayeman, Hotel Shaibal, Renaissance Hotel. Don't expect much as their ambience leaves much to be desired and there is no guarantee the beer will be cold. Prices are higher than you might expect.

Sleep

Most of the budget hotels are in the area surrounding Laldighi Lake in the main town area. The massive cement beasts are closer to the beach, getting bigger and grander as you move the 2 km south to the Hotel Motel Zone.

Hotel Sea Gull and Sayeman Beach Resort are decent choices in the centre of town. There are a few hotels/motels such as Hotel Probal and Sikat operated by the Parjatan Corporation, a government tourism organisation.

Seagull Hotel. Seagull is probably the best hotel in Cox's Bazar. It is modern and safe, with its own landscaped walkway to the beach. It does have a hidden bar - from the reception area, walk towards the main restaurant and turn right, then through part of the kitchen and upstairs. Nice swimming pool outside.

Hotel Sea Crown. Sea Crown is a three star deluxe hotel on the Beach.

Mermaid Beach Resort. Air-conditioned rooms on a secluded part of the beach with excellent views. Has a restaurant serving fresh seafood. Reliable Wi-Fi.

Royal Tulip Sea Pearl Beach Resort & Spa. Luxurious rooms & suites and two swimming pools (one exclusively for ladies) the resort boasts of a plethora of indoor & outdoor activities for both adults and kids which include a water park, tennis & badminton courts, 3D movie hall, billiards, amphitheater, spa and gym.

Sayeman Beach Resort. Surfing & water sports, thai spa, swimming pool, restaurant, and event venue.

Ocean Paradise. One of the large and better hotels. Not on the beach but a 300m walk from it.

Best Western Heritage. 231 rooms, each with 42-inch LED TV, tea and coffee maker, safety locker, parking facilities and free Wi-Fi. Most rooms also feature balconies.