Destination guide
Cox's Bazar Sea Beach
কক্সবাজার সমুদ্রসৈকত
The world's longest natural sea beach — about 120 km of unbroken sand with no mud anywhere. Nearly every traveller says the same thing: of the town beach's three points, Sugandha is the liveliest and most crowded, Laboni is calmer, and Kolatoli is the cleanest with the fewest crowds. Early mornings leave the beach almost empty — the best photo window; crowds surge from about 3 pm.
History & significance
The town takes its name from Captain Hiram Cox of the British era. Among travellers its fame is simple — the longest beach on earth, and because its look changes with season and tide, it rewards repeat visits. Many single out a full-moon-night walk in winter as a different experience altogether.
How to get there
By train from Dhaka: Paryatak Express (morning) or Cox's Bazar Express (night) — Shovon chair 695 tk, Snigdha chair 1,325–1,350 tk, AC cabin up to 2,380 tk; book 10 days ahead on the Rail Sheba app, bring your NID. By bus: non-AC 900–1,200 tk, AC 1,400–2,000 tk, sleeper 1,100–2,700 tk — Hanif, Green Line, Saudia, Shyamli and others; ~400–414 km, 8–10 hours. By air: Biman/Novoair/US-Bangla, about an hour, 4,599–12,000 tk. Buses drop at Dolphin Mor — the beach is a 5–7 minute walk; auto 20–40 tk. From the rail station take the BRTC double-decker for 20 tk, or a rickshaw at the posted chart — 20 tk each or 100 tk reserved; if drivers demand 150–200, point at the chart.
Entry fee
৳0 · traveller-reported
No entry ticket for the beach. Chairs 30–60 tk/hour, tube or life jacket 60 tk/hour, locker 40 tk/hour (some take 100 tk unlimited). Ticketed spots like Town Jetty are separate.
Opening hours & best time
No fixed closing time reported — the Sugandha stretch stays lively at night with families strolling. Still, experienced visitors advise not lingering past 1–2 am.
Best time
Winter is the main season (November–February), peaking 15 Dec–15 Jan — book hotels well ahead. Off-season, hotel and transport costs drop to roughly half. Catch sunrise on the empty beach, sunset at Sugandha. A cloudy, quiet monsoon beach has its own fans too.
Traveller tips
Buying shutki (dried fish)? Have it weighed and bagged in front of you — swapping good stock for spoiled is a widely reported trick.
Don't leave your phone in a locker unless the keeper explicitly takes responsibility.
Skip swimming if saltwater irritates your skin; never enter the sea during rain or lightning.
Bargain everywhere — regulars say a 5,000 tk package settles at 3,000.
Plastic is banned on the beach — carry your litter out with you.