Cox's Bazar

Cox's Bazar holds a genuine claim to fame: at around 120 kilometers, it is widely cited as the longest natural unbroken sea beach on the planet. Stretched along Bangladesh's southeastern coast, it is the country's beloved seaside escape, where the Bay of Bengal rolls in and the sand seems to run on forever. The beach is the main event, and it comes in named stretches. Laboni Beach, closest to town, is the busiest and best for people-watching and sunset crowds. Sugandha and Kolatoli beaches offer more room to breathe, food stalls, and long walks with your feet in the surf. The pace is unhurried, the sunsets are generous, and the vibe is more local family holiday than international resort strip. Just beyond the sand, the Marine Drive is one of the most scenic coastal roads in South Asia, hugging the shoreline between hills and sea on the way south toward Teknaf. Along it you will find Himchari National Park, where a waterfall and forested viewpoints look out over the water, and Inani Beach, known for its coral-flecked shore and quieter atmosphere. Radiant Fish World, a local aquarium, makes an easy stop for families. Cox's Bazar is also the jumping-off point for Saint Martin's Island, Bangladesh's only coral island, reachable by boat in season for clear water and a slower, castaway feel. Do check current travel and ferry rules before planning that leg, as access can change. A few honest notes for first-timers. Cox's Bazar is a domestic-tourism hotspot rather than a polished international beach destination, so set expectations accordingly: expect lively crowds on weekends and holidays, modest infrastructure in places, and enormous local warmth. Dress modestly in line with local norms, especially away from the immediate beachfront, and women often prefer to swim in loose clothing as most locals do. Fresh seafood is a highlight, so eat where the crowds are. Two to three days is enough to enjoy the main beaches, drive part of the Marine Drive, and slow down. Add more if you plan to reach Saint Martin's Island. Come for a wide, wild stretch of the Bay of Bengal and a warm welcome, and tell me your travel dates and I will put together a coastal plan that pairs the best beaches with the scenic drive south.