The Longest Beach in the World: All You Need To Know
Cox’s Bazar, a coastal town in southeastern Bangladesh, is home to the world’s longest natural sea beach, stretching an incredible 120 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal. Renowned for its golden sands, rolling waves, and breathtaking sunsets, Cox’s Bazar is a popular destination for both local and international tourists seeking a serene escape into nature. This guide delves into the allure of Cox’s Bazar, including top hotel suggestions, transportation options, and tips for making the most of your visit.
The Majestic Beauty of Cox’s Bazar
The unbroken stretch of sandy beach at Cox’s Bazar is what sets it apart from other beach destinations around the world. From Teknaf in the south to the fishing port of Chittagong in the north, the beach offers a variety of experiences for visitors. The gentle slope of the beach makes it ideal for walking, sunbathing, and playing in the surf, while the surrounding hills, forests, and fishing villages add to its charm.
Key Attractions in Cox’s Bazar
1. Inani Beach:
– Located about 25 kilometers south of the main town, Inani Beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, coral stones, and serenity. It’s less crowded than the main beach, making it perfect for those seeking peace and tranquility.
2. Himchari National Park:
– Just 12 kilometers from Cox’s Bazar, Himchari National Park offers a unique combination of forested hills, waterfalls, and sandy beaches. The park is a great spot for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal.
3. Laboni Beach:
– Laboni Beach is the most popular and accessible section of Cox’s Bazar beach. It’s the main tourist hub where you’ll find plenty of beachside activities, including surfing, jet-skiing, and horse riding. The area is also lined with shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs.
4. St. Martin’s Island:
– A short boat ride from Teknaf, St. Martin’s Island is Bangladesh’s only coral island, offering pristine beaches, clear waters, and an abundance of marine life. It’s a must-visit for those looking to explore beyond Cox’s Bazar.
5. Radiant Sunset:
– One of the highlights of Cox’s Bazar is the spectacular sunset over the Bay of Bengal. The sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, providing a perfect backdrop for evening strolls along the beach.
Hotels Accommodation in Cox’s Bazar
When visiting Cox’s Bazar, choosing the right accommodation is key to enjoying a comfortable and memorable stay. Here are five of the best hotels that offer a mix of luxury, affordability, and convenience.
1. The Ocean Paradise Hotel & Resort: Click Here to Book at Best Price
Location: Kolatoli Road, Cox’s Bazar
Benefits:
– Luxury resort with modern amenities
– Stunning views of the Bay of Bengal from most rooms
– Multiple dining options, including a rooftop restaurant
– Large swimming pool, spa, and fitness center
Affordability: Prices range from $100 to $200 per night, depending on the season and room type.
Transportation: Easily accessible by car or rickshaw from the airport and bus terminals.
2. Long Beach Hotel: Click Here to Book at Best Price
Location: Road 14, Block B, Kalatoli, Cox’s Bazar
Benefits:
– 5-star hotel offering a blend of luxury and comfort
– Spacious rooms with contemporary decor and sea views
– Indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, and spa services
– Several dining options, including a coffee shop and buffet restaurant
Affordability: Prices range from $80 to $150 per night.
Transportation: Located near the main tourist area, with easy access to the beach and local attractions.
3. Hotel Sea Crown: Click Here to Book at Best Price
Location: Marine Drive, Cox’s Bazar
Benefits:
– Beachfront hotel offering direct access to the sea
– Cozy rooms with balconies overlooking the beach
– On-site restaurant serving local and international cuisine
– Budget-friendly with a relaxed atmosphere
Affordability: Prices range from $50 to $100 per night.
Transportation: Situated on Marine Drive, easily reachable by taxi or rickshaw.
4. Sayeman Beach Resort: Click Here to Book at Best Price
Location: Marine Drive Road, Kolatoli Circle, Cox’s Bazar
Benefits:
– One of the most luxurious resorts in Cox’s Bazar
– Elegant rooms with sea views and modern amenities
– Infinity pool overlooking the beach, fitness center, and spa
– Multiple dining options, including a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views
Affordability: Prices range from $120 to $250 per night.
Transportation: Centrally located, with convenient access to the airport and bus terminals.
5. The Cox Today: Click Here to Book at Best Price
Location: Kalatoli, Cox’s Bazar
Benefits:
– 4-star hotel with a blend of luxury and affordability
– Spacious rooms with sea and city views
– On-site restaurants, swimming pool, and fitness center
– Conference and banquet facilities for business travelers
Affordability: Prices range from $70 to $130 per night.
Transportation: Located near the main tourist area, easily accessible by local transport.
Transportation to Cox’s Bazar
Cox’s Bazar is well-connected to major cities in Bangladesh, making it relatively easy to reach.
By Air
– Domestic Flights:
– Cox’s Bazar has a domestic airport with regular flights from Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet. Airlines such as Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, and Novoair offer daily flights. The flight duration from Dhaka is approximately 1 hour, with prices ranging from $40 to $120 USD, depending on the season and airline.
– Airport to Hotel:
– Upon arrival, you can take a taxi or rickshaw to your hotel. Most hotels offer airport pick-up services, which can be arranged in advance.
By Road
– Bus:
– Several bus companies operate daily services between Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar. The journey takes around 10-12 hours, with buses ranging from standard to luxury coaches. Prices range from $10 to $25 USD, depending on the type of bus and the operator.
– Luxury Bus Services:
– Green Line Paribahan and Shohagh Paribahan, Shyamoli NR Travels are three of the most popular luxury bus operators, offering comfortable seating, air conditioning, and on-board entertainment.
– Private Car:
– Hiring a private car or renting a vehicle for the journey provides more flexibility and comfort. The drive from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar takes approximately 10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Rental costs range from $100 to $150 USD per day, excluding fuel.
By Train
– Train to Cox’s Bazar:
– If you prefer to travel by train, you can take a train from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar. The train journey from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar takes about 9 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $5 to $30 USD, depending on the class of service. Timings are shown below. Timings are subject to change, so make sure you check the timing from Bangladesh Railway portal and buy tickets.
Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka – Cox’s Bazar Express
- Starting Station: Cox’s Bazar
- Departure Time: 12:30 PM
- Destination: Kamalapur, Dhaka
- Arrival Time: 09:10 PM
- Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka Off Day – Tuesday
Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka – Parjotak Express
- Starting Station: Cox’s Bazar
- Departure Time: 08:00 PM
- Destination: Kamalapur, Dhaka
- Arrival Time: 04:30 AM
- Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka Off Day – Sunday
Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar – Cox’s Bazar Express
- Starting Sation: Kamalapur, Dhaka
- Departure Time: 10:30 PM
- Destination: Cox’s Bazar
- Arrival Time: 07:20 AM
- Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar Off Day – Monday
Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar – Parjotak Express
- Starting Sation: Kamalapur, Dhaka
- Departure Time: 06:15 AM
- Destination: Cox’s Bazar
- Arrival Time: 03:00 PM
- Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar Off Day – Sunday
Alternatively, you can take a train from Dhaka to Chittagong, followed by a bus or taxi to Cox’s Bazar. The train journey from Dhaka to Chittagong takes about 6-7 hours. From Chittagong, buses to Cox’s Bazar take around 3-4 hours and cost between $5 to $10 USD. This option offers a scenic drive along the coast.
Best Restaurants to Try in Cox’s Bazar:
Here are six of the best restaurants in Cox’s Bazar, offering a variety of cuisines and dining experiences:
1. Mermaid Café
Cuisine: Seafood, Continental, Asian
Location: Kolatoli Beach, Cox’s Bazar
Highlights:
– Mermaid Café is known for its fresh seafood dishes, including grilled fish, prawns, and calamari.
– The restaurant offers a beachfront dining experience with a relaxed, bohemian ambiance.
– Organic ingredients are sourced locally, and the menu includes both traditional and fusion dishes.
– Popular dishes include the Seafood Platter, Lobster Thermidor, and Fish & Chips.
2. EFC – A Live Fish Restaurant
Cuisine: Bengali, Seafood
Location: Main Road, Cox’s Bazar
Highlights:
– EFC specializes in Bengali cuisine with a focus on fresh, live fish prepared to order.
– Diners can select their fish from a live tank, ensuring freshness and customization.
– The restaurant is popular for its authentic Bangladeshi dishes like Hilsa curry, Prawn Bhuna, and Fish Fry.
– EFC offers a family-friendly atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating options.
3. Salt Bistro & Café
Cuisine: Continental, Asian, Italian
Location: Kolatoli Road, Cox’s Bazar
Highlights:
– Salt Bistro & Café is a modern dining spot that serves a mix of Continental, Asian, and Italian dishes.
– The restaurant has a chic, contemporary design with an open-air terrace offering views of the beach.
– Signature dishes include Pizza Margherita, Pasta Alfredo, and Grilled Chicken with Vegetables.
– The café is also known for its excellent coffee and dessert selection, including homemade cakes and pastries.
4. Ruposhi Bangla
Cuisine: Bengali, Indian, Chinese
Location: Sea Inn Hotel, Laboni Beach, Cox’s Bazar
Highlights:
– Ruposhi Bangla is a popular choice for traditional Bengali cuisine, along with Indian and Chinese options.
– The restaurant is famous for its traditional Bengali dishes like Panta Ilish, Bhuna Khichuri, and Mutton Rezala.
– It offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot for family dining.
– The restaurant is conveniently located near Laboni Beach, making it an ideal place to enjoy a meal after a day on the beach.
5. Jhawban Restaurant & Café
Cuisine: Bengali, Thai, Chinese
Location: Kolatoli, Cox’s Bazar
Highlights:
– Jhawban Restaurant is well-known for its diverse menu, offering Bengali, Thai, and Chinese dishes.
– The restaurant’s specialties include Thai Green Curry, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and traditional Bengali Prawn Malaikari.
– It has a cozy, laid-back ambiance with both indoor and outdoor seating options.
– Jhawban is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its generous portions and affordable prices.
6. Palongki Restaurant
It is a well-known dining spot in Cox’s Bazar, offering a delightful experience for both locals and tourists. Here’s what you need to know about this popular restaurant:-
Cuisine: Bengali, Indian, Chinese
Location: Kolatoli, Cox’s Bazar
Ambiance: Casual, Family-friendly
Service: Dine-in, Takeaway
Highlights:
1. Authentic Bengali Cuisine:
– Palongki Restaurant is celebrated for its authentic Bengali dishes, which capture the rich flavors of traditional Bangladeshi cuisine. Popular menu items include Prawn Bhuna, Hilsa Curry, and Chicken Rezala. The restaurant emphasizes the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are both flavorful and wholesome.
2. Diverse Menu:
– In addition to Bengali food, Palongki also offers a range of Indian and Chinese dishes. This diversity makes it a great option for groups with varied tastes. You can find everything from classic Chicken Biryani and Tandoori dishes to Chinese favorites like Sweet and Sour Chicken and Fried Rice.
3. Family-Friendly Atmosphere:
– The restaurant is designed to be welcoming for families, with a spacious dining area and a relaxed environment. It’s an ideal spot for a casual meal with loved ones after a day at the beach or exploring the town.
4. Affordable Pricing:
– One of the key attractions of Palongki Restaurant is its affordability. The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers and locals alike.
5. Convenient Location:
– Situated in Kolatoli, one of the central areas in Cox’s Bazar, Palongki is easily accessible from many of the town’s main attractions and hotels. Whether you’re staying nearby or exploring the area, it’s a convenient dining option.
6. Customer Service:
– Palongki is known for its friendly and attentive staff, who strive to provide a pleasant dining experience. The restaurant maintains a clean and comfortable environment, adding to its appeal.
What to Try:
- Prawn Bhuna: A flavorful prawn dish cooked in a rich and spicy gravy, perfect with steamed rice.
- Hilsa Curry: A traditional Bengali dish featuring the country’s most famous fish, cooked in a mustard sauce.
- Chicken Biryani: Aromatic rice cooked with tender chicken and spices, a must-try for biryani lovers.
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: A Chinese-inspired dish that’s both tangy and sweet, ideal for those looking for something different.
These restaurants offer a blend of local flavors and international cuisines, ensuring that visitors to Cox’s Bazar can enjoy a variety of dining experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, traditional Bengali dishes, or something a bit more international, these top five restaurants have something to satisfy every palate.
Tips for Enjoying Your Stay in Cox’s Bazar
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Cox’s Bazar is from October to March when the weather is dry and pleasant. This is also the peak tourist season, so it’s advisable to book accommodations and transportation in advance.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to try fresh seafood at the local beachside restaurants. Popular dishes include fried fish, prawn curry, and crab masala.
- Shopping: Visit the local markets for handicrafts, seashell ornaments, and traditional Bangladeshi textiles. The Burmese Market in Cox’s Bazar is a great place to shop for unique souvenirs.
- Respect Local Customs: While Cox’s Bazar is a popular tourist destination, it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting public places, and always ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
- Beach Safety: While the beach is generally safe for swimming, it’s advisable to stay within designated areas and be mindful of tides and currents. Lifeguards are present at popular sections of the beach.
Cox’s Bazar, with its expansive sandy beaches, stunning natural beauty, and a range of accommodations, offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re looking to unwind on the beach, explore the surrounding hills and forests, or indulge in local cuisine, Cox’s Bazar has something for everyone. By choosing the right hotel and understanding the transportation options, you can ensure a memorable and hassle-free visit to this breathtaking destination. So pack your bags, head to the world’s longest beach, and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Cox’s Bazar. Happy travels!
