What is the best time to visit Cox's Bazar?

The best time is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is cool and dry.

How do I get to Moheshkhali Island?

Speedboats leave from Kasturi Ghat (6 No. Ghat) in town. The crossing to Gorakghata takes about 30 minutes (about 1 hour by engine boat or sampan) and costs roughly 80-100 BDT per person; confirm the fare at the ghat and refuse extra tolls (Tourist Police, Oct 2026).

Is Marine Drive safe at night?

While Marine Drive is beautiful during the day, it is highly recommended to complete your travel before sunset for safety and better visibility.

What are Easybikes or Tomtoms?

They are local, battery-operated rickshaws used for short distances within the town and beach areas.

Can foreigners exchange currency easily?

Yes, there are authorized money changers and banks in the main town area, though carrying some local currency (BDT) beforehand is advised.

Are the prices on this site exact?

No. Visit Cox is an independent guide with no hotel or transport partners. Prices and fares are estimates last reviewed in Oct 2026 and change with season and holidays. Use them as a starting point and confirm before you pay.

What should I watch out for at the main beaches?

Laboni: deeper water and rip currents; swim only where lifeguards are and follow loudspeaker warnings. Sugandha: very crowded on holidays, so agree a meeting point for children and say no firmly to hawkers. Kolatoli: keep valuables close on quiet stretches. Himchari and Inani: agree the easybike or CNG fare first and stay in busy areas. Tourist Police helplines: 01320-222222 and 01887-878787 (Tourist Police, Oct 2026).

How do I get to Saint Martin's Island?

Tourist ships leave only from Cox's Bazar (BIWTA jetty at Nuniachhara) and take about 5-7 hours each way. Speedboats, trawlers and ships from Teknaf are not allowed for tourists. Under the 2025-26 rules (Ministry of Environment notice, 22 Oct 2025), November is day trips only, overnight stays are allowed in December and January, the island is closed to tourists from February to October, and visitors are capped at 2,000 a day. Buy tickets only through a portal approved by the Bangladesh Tourism Board: each ticket carries a travel pass with a QR code, and tickets without one are invalid. In 2025 the ships started only on 1 December, because a same-day return is hardly possible. In Oct 2026 the government said it will review the season, the daily cap and the departure point for 2026-27, so rules change each season: check the latest notice before you book. Beware of touts and hotel booking fraud (UNB, The Daily Star, Tourist Police; as of Oct 2026).

AN INDEPENDENT COASTAL GUIDE • BAY OF BENGAL

One of the World’s Longest Beaches, Budgeted Honestly.

An independent guide to Cox’s Bazar for first-time visitors: hotels, local food, activities, typical local fares and a trip budget planner. Prices are estimates; check before you pay.

~120 KM Sandy Beach (commonly cited)

80 KM Marine Drive

16 Hotels Listed

Nov—Feb Golden Season

Plan My Trip in 60s Explore 7 Topics ↓

Quick Trip Pick

Instant Estimate

My Target Budget ৳22,000

≈ ৳11,000/person for 2 guests

⚡ Plan My Full Trip in 60s ➔

EXPLORE COX'S BAZAR BY CATEGORY

Every Travel Need, Organized.

Each aspect of your Cox's Bazar journey has its own dedicated portal—uncluttered and informative.

16 HOTELS LISTED 5★ • 4★ • 3★ • BUDGET

Hotels & Coastal Sanctuaries

Explore beachfront luxury at Sayeman and Royal Tulip, quiet eco-villas at Mermaid Beach Resort, and budget stays with estimated room prices.

FILTER BY ZONE, STARS & BUDGET Browse Directory ➔

Authentic Cox's Bazar seafood and local dining

CULINARY GUIDE

Local Food & Best Dining

Where to have lunch (Poushee, Jhaubon, Niribili with 15+ bhortas), sunset dinners at Sugandha live fish stalls, and signature Mustard Rupchanda.

LUNCH & DINNER RECOMMENDATIONS View Food Guide ➔

10 ACTIVITIES

Activities & Thrills

Kalatoli beach surfing, Himchari parasailing, ATV quad bikes, open Chander Gari safaris, and beach camping with estimated rates.

PRICES & SAFETY ➔

14 SPOTS + 10 GEMS

Sightseeing & Spots

80km Marine Drive, Inani coral reefs, Sonadia untouched island, and Maheshkhali ancient Shiva temple.

FULL ARCHIVE ➔

Chander Gari open jeep safari on Marine Drive

TRANSIT & BUDGETING

Local Transport Costs

Transparent fare guides for Tomtom battery rickshaws, CNGs, Chander Gari day charters, plus a trip fare calculator.

CALCULATOR INCLUDED ➔

HERITAGE & CULTURE

Rakhine Heritage & Traditions

Explore the Ramu 100-ft Reclining Buddha, wooden moon-shaped Sampan boatbuilders, ancient monasteries, and respectful traveler etiquette.

TEMPLES, PAGODAS & CRAFT Read Guide ➔

INTERACTIVE PLANNER

Tour Itinerary Generator

Design a neat, daily schedule for 2, 3, or 5 days tailored to your vibe (Relaxing, Adventure, or Local Culture) with 1-click PDF and PNG export.

INSTANT SCHEDULE & EXPORT Generate Plan ➔

EDITOR'S SELECTION

The Three Signature Experiences

If you only have 48 hours in Cox's Bazar, these three moments capture the soul of the southern coast.

01 / COASTAL EXPEDITION

80km Marine Drive in an Open Jeep

Hire an open Chander Gari at early sunrise. Drive past Himchari waterfalls, Inani coral reefs, and Shamlapur fishing hamlets with the sea breeze rushing past.

Read Spot Guide ➔

02 / CULINARY TRADITION

15-Bhorta Feast at Poushee

A rite of passage in Cox's Bazar. Steaming hot rice accompanied by shutki, chitol, eggplant, mustard shrimp, and crispy loitta fry straight from the kitchen.

View Food Guide ➔

03 / OCEAN ADVENTURE

Kalatoli Wave Surfing Class

Cox's Bazar is Bangladesh's surf capital. Join a 90-minute beginner session with local surf instructors, rental foam board, and safety lifesaver included.

Activity Details ➔

TRAVELER BRIEFING

Seasons, Safety & Etiquette

Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning, knowing seasonal weather patterns and beach safety rules ensures an unforgettable coastal trip.

Nov — Feb (Golden Season)

Calm, turquoise sea, pleasant 22°C–28°C weather, perfect for Marine Drive drives and boat rides to Maheshkhali.

Jun — Aug (Monsoon Drama)

Huge rolling waves, dramatic skies, and 50% hotel discounts. Swimming is strictly prohibited during red flags.

Beach Safety Guidelines

🟢 Green Flag Calm water; safe swimming within 50 meters of the marked lifeguard post.

🟡 Yellow Flag Moderate swell & riptides. Exercise extreme caution; stay knee-deep.

🔴 Red Flag Danger. High tide undertow. Absolutely no swimming permitted by police.

Emergency Numbers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Practical Travel Guidance

Direct answers regarding safety, transport, local cuisine, and the best seasons to visit.

Coastal Concierge Answers from this guide