Coxs Bazar | Bangladesh

Cox's Bazar serves as the primary tourism capital of Bangladesh, famous for hosting the world's longest natural sandy beach (120 km). It is located on the southeastern coast, approximately 150 kilometers south of Chattogram.

Historical Timeline

The city is named after Captain Hiram Cox, an officer of the British East India Company who oversaw the rehabilitation of Arakanese refugees in the late 18th century. Following British rule, it became part of East Pakistan in 1947. A pivotal moment in its modern history was the massive 2017 influx of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar into neighboring Ukhia and Teknaf, which fundamentally altered the region’s socio-economic and security landscape. By 2026, the city has transitioned into a "high-cost" urban zone due to the prolonged humanitarian presence and aggressive tourism infrastructure development.

Demographics & Population

As of 2026, the city's permanent population is approximately 200,000, though this number swells by millions annually due to domestic tourism. The local population is predominantly Bengali (specifically of Chittagonian descent), with significant Burmese and Arakanese cultural influences. The region also hosts nearly one million Rohingya refugees in designated camps to the south, creating a unique demographic intersection of international aid workers, local residents, and vacationers.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Laboni, Sugandha, and Kolatoli Points: The primary beach nodes where the majority of hotels, restaurants, and markets are concentrated.

Marine Drive: An 80 km scenic road stretching south toward Teknaf, flanked by the sea on one side and hills on the other.

Main Town (Sadar): The administrative and local commercial center, located slightly inland from the tourist strip.

Burmese Market: A central hub for traditional handloom fabrics, cosmetics, and dried fish (Shutki).

Top City Landmarks

Cox’s Bazar Beach: The 120 km shoreline, subdivided into various "points" (Laboni is the most central).

Inani Beach: Located 32 km south, known for its coral stones and clearer water.

Himchari National Park: Features a cold-water waterfall and hilltop views of the Bay of Bengal.

Radiant Fish World: The largest sea aquarium in Bangladesh.

100 Feet Reclining Buddha: Located in nearby Ramu, a significant site of Buddhist heritage.

Transportation Network

Movement is dominated by Easy-bikes (electric three-wheelers) and cycle rickshaws. Cox's Bazar International Airport (CXB) has been significantly upgraded as of 2026 to handle wide-body aircraft, facilitating direct international and frequent domestic flights. The Dhaka-Cox's Bazar Railway (completed in late 2023) is now the most popular transit method for domestic travelers. Marine Drive is the primary route for scenic exploration, typically navigated via "Chander Gari" (open-air jeeps).

Safety & "Red Zones"

Travelers should note that Bangladesh is under a Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) advisory as of January 2026 due to national elections scheduled for February 12, 2026.

Red Zones: Avoid traveling south toward the Rohingya camps (Ukhia/Teknaf) without official authorization. The Myanmar border area is highly volatile due to active conflict across the frontier.

Water Safety: Always observe life-guard flags on the beach; red flags indicate dangerous riptides.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Internet speeds are high in the tourist districts (50–100 Mbps); 5G is widely available in Kolatoli and Sugandha. While major hotels accept international cards, the local economy is heavily cash-based (BDT). Due to the humanitarian operations, the city has a high density of ATMs and mobile banking (bKash) agents.

Climate & Air Quality

Tropical monsoon climate. January 2026 is the peak tourist season with cool, dry weather (15°C–26°C). Air quality is generally better than in Dhaka, though construction dust and vehicular emissions on the main highway can cause localized "Unhealthy" readings.

Culture & Social Norms

The city is a blend of conservative local culture and more relaxed tourist behavior. However, modest dress is strictly required when leaving the immediate beach area. Alcohol is only legally available in licensed 4-star and 5-star hotel bars. Tipping (5–10%) is expected in restaurants.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: 220 BDT ($1.85)

1 Seafood Dinner (Standard): 800–1,200 BDT ($6.75–$10.10)

1 Easy-bike Trip (Short): 40 BDT ($0.34)

1 Liter of Petrol: 130 BDT ($1.10)

Nearby Day Trips

Moheshkhali Island: Accessible by speedboat; features the Adinath Temple and hilly terrain.

Sonadia Island: An eco-tourism site known for red crabs and migratory birds.

Saint Martin’s Island: The country's only coral island (requires a 3-hour ship journey from Teknaf).

Facts & Legends

Cox’s Bazar holds the record for the longest unbroken natural sandy sea beach in the world. A local legend suggests that the "Kana Raja’s Cave" in the nearby hills was used by a legendary "blind king" to hide his treasures. Geologically, the beach is unique for its "singing sands"-a phenomenon where the sand grains produce a low-frequency hum when stepped upon under specific moisture conditions.