Destination Details

Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

Cox's Bazar

Cox’s Bazar is a coastal town in southeastern Bangladesh, world-renowned for its exceptionally long natural sandy beach along the Bay of Bengal. Stretching over 120 kilometers, it is considered the longest continuous sea beach on Earth and serves as the country’s premier seaside tourism destination. The area blends scenic beaches, lush hills, and cultural heritage sites, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Key facts

• Location: Southeastern Bangladesh, Chattogram Division

• Length of main beach: ~120 km (world’s longest)

• Founded: Named after Captain Hiram Cox (1799)

• Latitude/Longitude: 20°43′–21°56′ N, 91°50′–92°23′ E

• Best time to visit: November–March (cool, dry season)

Geography

Cox’s Bazar lies between forested hills to the east and the Bay of Bengal to the west. The district spans 2,491 sq km and includes islands such as Maheshkhali, Kutubdia, Sonadia, and Saint Martin’s. Its tropical monsoon climate brings heavy rainfall and high humidity, while the long coastline provides sweeping views and rich biodiversity.

Major attractions

The main Cox’s Bazar Beach includes popular segments such as Laboni, Sugandha, and Kolatoli, known for swimming, sunsets, and water sports like parasailing and jet-skiing. Southward lie Himchari National Park—with its waterfall and viewpoints—and Inani Beach, famed for coral stones. Other highlights include Marine Drive Road to Teknaf, Saint Martin’s coral island, Maheshkhali Island’s Adinath Temple, Ramu’s Buddhist monasteries, and Dulahazara Safari Park, home to diverse wildlife.

Culture and tourism

The town’s Burmese Market showcases local and Myanmar-inspired handicrafts, while seafood and dried-fish dishes dominate its cuisine. Cox’s Bazar also hosts Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites and annual festivals that reflect the region’s multiethnic heritage. Tourism drives much of the local economy, with infrastructure ranging from luxury resorts on Marine Drive to budget hotels near Laboni Point.

Significance

As Bangladesh’s foremost tourist hub, Cox’s Bazar symbolizes the country’s coastal charm and ecological diversity. Efforts are underway to balance development with conservation, preserving its beaches, marine life, and nearby hill forests for sustainable tourism growth.