What do you look for in a beach? Is it the scenery that tickles your fancy? Or do you like do people-watch from the comfort of a lounge chair? Are you keen on crowds or seeking out solitude?
No matter your tastes, Cox’s Bazar‘s extensive sands have you covered.
Cox’s Bazar
Situated at the southeastern end of Bangladesh, Cox’s Bazar is known for one thing: the beach. As the longest natural stretch of sand in the world, Cox Bazar’s beach stretches out for a total of 78 miles (125km). And while the city does offer its share of shops and restaurants, avoiding the record-setting beach would be equivalent to going to Nepal and staying out of the mountains.
Look to use Cox’s Bazar as your base. Some of the best beaches will require a little travel, making the perfect day trip for swimming, sunbathing, or picnicking.
Credit: Tahmid Munaz™
Inani Beach
A 45-minute southbound journey from Cox’s Bazar will have you arriving at Inani Beach. One of the most photogenic spots along the shore, Inani expands to a breadth of nearly 1000 feet (300m). Having the advantage of unrivaled seclusion for such a scenic site, visitors are bound to encounter only a handful of people during a seemingly endless stroll.
If you’re really looking to impress the significant other, consider arriving at sunset when the horizon is aglow in shades of orange and mauve.
Laboni Beach
A little easier on the transportation side of things, Laboni Beach is only a short distance out of the center of Cox’s Bazar. Set up for the common tourist, the beach is open for swimming, lounging, or taking a long walk. And with modern amenities only a short distance a way, pre-trip preparations are less than necessary.
Unfortunately, with convenience comes crowds. On a nice day you’ll be hanging out with hundreds of your closest friends.
Credit: eutrophication&hypoxia
Himchari National Park
Between Cox’s Bazar and Inani Beach is a region known for more than its vegetation and wildlife than its sandy beaches. The Himchari National Park‘s protected terrain offers a waterfall, an extensive selection of bird species, and a forest that hides all sorts of animals.
As you explore the park, keep your eyes peeled for jungle cats, sloth bears, boars, and elephants. Rather than expected sightings, spotting these species would be more of a welcome surprise.
Look to pay a small fee to enter the park. Rest assured that it’s nothing you can’t afford.
When To Go
When looking for a sunny day at the beach in Cox’s Bazar, plan your trip between October and April. Though the waterfall may be more scenic during the rainy season, it’s hardly worth sacrificing your beach time.
Climate
Temperatures in the region will fluctuate between lows of 59°F (15°C) and highs of 90°F (32°C). Peak season will see around 8 hours of sunshine per day.
Getting There & Around
As the most obvious choice, catch a flight into town from either Chittagong or Dhaka. Alternately, spend 4 hours on the bus, riding in from Chittagong.
Average Costs
- Mid-range accommodations: $75-100
- Meal: $1.50-7.50
- Beer: $3.50
Do’s
- Swim in any of the beaches warm waters.
- Bring along all your supplies to Inani Beach. There won’t be anywhere to shop.
- Buy all your souvenirs from Laboni Beach and its countless shops.
Don’ts
- Expect much from the waterfall during the dry season.
- Feel as though you have to walk to Labonti Beach. Take a rickshaw instead.
- Strip down. Beach nudity or partial nudity isn’t generally accepted in Bangladesh.
Fun Facts
- Bangladesh is a Muslim Country.
- Despite Bangladesh’s modest size, there are 17 airports throughout the country.
- The nation holds the world’s largest mangrove forest.
Featured Image Credit: Pavel ahmed
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