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Major city · Bangladesh

Cox's Bazarকক্সবাজার

Go to Cox's Bazar for the beach in the Nov–Mar dry season; plan two nights, expect a busy domestic resort town rather than a quiet escape, and avoid weekends if you want space on the sand.

Not yet checkedSourcesWhat these labels mean

Cox's Bazar is a coastal town in southeastern Bangladesh built along roughly 120 km of unbroken sand beach, marketed as one of the longest natural beaches in the world. It is overwhelmingly a domestic holiday destination, so the beachfront is dense with hotels and day-trippers rather than set up for foreign travellers. The wider district south of town also hosts a very large refugee settlement around Ukhia and Teknaf, where access for outsiders is restricted, so check current rules before heading that way.

basic guide: no trip line yet
3 pages, for the metro and roaming-off days
Map
Google Maps Apple Maps Street View
More ways in
Print / PDF guide
Local time, weather, currency, airports
Weather
see forecast
Best months
Nov–Mar (dry, calmer seas)
avoid Jun–Sep (monsoon rain, rough seas and occasional cyclone risk)
Airport
CXB
Nights
2
Rules in force · 6
  • South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
  • South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
  • Bangladesh ↗Apply for a visa only on the official government e-visa portal or at an embassy; lookalike sites charge extra, and the rules differ by nationality.
  • Bangladesh ↗Dress modestly in cities and near mosques: cover shoulders and knees, and women carry a scarf for mosques and shrines.
  • Bangladesh ↗Carry Bangladeshi taka in small notes; rickshaws, markets and small shops are cash-only, and foreign cards are not accepted everywhere.
  • Bangladesh ↗Political rallies, strikes (hartal) and blockades can close roads and cut mobile internet with little notice: check the news and your hotel before any transfer day and stay away from demonstrations.
What is in this basic guide5 covered · 4 not yet ▾

Not in this guide yet

  • Walking areas with bag rules
  • Day plans checked against opening hours
  • Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
  • Field-checked times and prices
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost

Essentials

Quick answers and what things cost

Quick answers

The questions people ask first about Cox's Bazar, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

Show all 11 answers
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works

Decide

What it is known for, and when the weather works

At a glance

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Roughly 120 km of unbroken sand beachHimchari National Park waterfalls and cliffs just south of townInani Beach's coral rock outcropsDried-fish markets at NazirartekFresh seafood from the local fishing fleet
Airports
CXB Cox's Bazar Airport (Direct flights from Dhaka in about an hour; a rail line to Dhaka also opened in 2023)

Best months at a glance

From the guide's best and avoid lists

  1. Jan

    Best

  2. Feb

    Best

  3. Mar

    Best

  4. Apr

    not flagged

  5. May

    not flagged

  6. Jun

    Avoid

  7. Jul

    Avoid

  8. Aug

    Avoid

  9. Sep

    Avoid

  10. Oct

    not flagged

  11. Nov

    Best

  12. Dec

    Best

Best: Nov–Mar. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →

Weather and climate

Forecast from Open-Meteo · averages rounded

Cox's Bazar: next 7 days

Loading forecast…

Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.

Air quality

Loading…

Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.

Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Arrive & move

Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Getting around

Rickshaws and auto-rickshaws (CNGs) cover the town; agree the fare before you get in. Jeeps and local buses run south to Himchari and Inani. Dhaka connects by direct flight, overnight bus or the newer rail line.

Nearest full guides

Straight-line distance, not travel time

Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in

Eat & sleep

Which area to sleep in

Where to sleep

Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.

Kolatoli and Laboni beach area

Most hotels and restaurants, and the busiest stretch of sand.

Inani side

Quieter beach further south, near Himchari, with fewer crowds.

PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Practical

What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Watch out

  • Rip currents are strong outside the flagged, lifeguard-patrolled sections: swim only where lifeguards are present.
  • Areas south of town around Ukhia and Teknaf near the refugee camps have restricted access: check current rules before travelling that way.
  • Beach crowds and hotel prices spike on Fridays, weekends and public holidays.
  • Monsoon season brings sudden squalls and occasional cyclone warnings that can shut the beach with little notice.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources

Deep dive

What this guide covers so far, and its sources

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cox's Bazar. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.

What we know, and what is coming

On this page

  1. Best months: Nov–Mar (dry, calmer seas) · avoid Jun–Sep (monsoon rain, rough seas and occasional cyclone risk)
  2. 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
  3. Weather: a 7-day forecast
  4. 4 things to watch out for

Coming as the guide grows

  1. An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
  2. Walking clusters with bag rules
  3. Day plans checked against opening hours
  4. Field-verified times and fares

Meanwhile

Back to Bangladesh

Sources