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Cox’s Bazar is a coastal city, fishing harbour, and district headquarters located in the Chittagong Division of Bangladesh. It is best known for its uninterrupted sandy beach, stretching over 120 kilometres — widely regarded as the longest natural sea beach in the world.
Beyond tourism, Cox’s Bazar plays an important role in Bangladesh’s fishing industry and is particularly famous for its fresh seafood. Local markets, especially fish markets, remain a central part of daily life and attract both locals and visitors.
The city is also culturally diverse, home to Bengali, Rohingya, and Arakan communities. It has historical and cultural significance, with Buddhist temples, monasteries, and locally crafted textiles and handicrafts that are popular among tourists.
Earlier this week, my friends and I travelled to the beautiful Cox’s Bazar sea beach. Through this post, I want to relive those moments and share a small part of that experience.
Discovering Cox’s Bazar: A Winter Escape
It was January — wintertime in Bangladesh. Most of my friends had already returned home after the holidays, and we were looking for a short escape. Cox’s Bazar felt like the obvious choice.
Winter gives the beach a different character. The air is cooler, the crowds calmer, and the sound of the sea feels more pronounced. That peaceful atmosphere was exactly what we needed, so we made our plans and set off.
Journey Diary: 6 January – The Overnight Bus Ride
On the night of 6 January, we packed our bags and boarded a bus at around 11:30 pm. Cox’s Bazar is about seven to eight hours away from where I live, so it was going to be a long journey.
Sleep was scarce. We spent most of the night talking, sharing ideas, and watching the hours slowly pass. By early morning, the bus finally arrived at our destination.
One of our friends had arranged everything in advance — from hotel booking to meals — which made things much easier. We stayed near Sugondha Beach, close to Laboni Beach. By the time we arrived, somewhere around 4:30 or 5 in the morning, exhaustion had completely taken over. All I wanted to do was sleep.
The Longest Day: 7 January – Beach Adventures
This may genuinely have been one of the longest days I can remember — but in the best possible way.
We woke up around 8:30 am, had breakfast delivered to our room, and soon after changed into our beach clothes. Before long, we were standing on the sand, listening to the sound of the waves growing louder as we moved closer.
The seawater was cold and salty, but refreshing. We spent nearly two hours in the water, laughing, swimming, and completely losing track of time. When we finally came out, we were shivering — but the sunlight quickly warmed us again.
After grabbing some fast food nearby, we returned to the hotel to rest. Later, we got ready for Jummah prayers, had lunch, and took a short nap before heading out again.
Night Magic: Sunset, Walks, and Markets
That evening remains one of the most memorable parts of the trip. We woke up around 5 pm, refreshed, and headed back to the beach just in time for sunset.
Watching the sun slowly disappear into the sea is difficult to describe properly. The calmness, the breeze, and the endless shoreline made everything feel timeless. We walked several kilometres along the beach without even realising how far we had gone.
Later, we explored the local shopping areas. The markets were filled with dried fish, seafood, souvenirs, cosmetics, and handicrafts — items you rarely see elsewhere. Some areas felt almost like a different country, with modern hotels and restaurants lining the streets.
If you’re looking for hotels in Cox’s Bazar, you’ll have plenty of options — from budget stays to luxury resorts.
That night, we had seafood for dinner and returned to our hotel, chatting endlessly until we slowly drifted off to sleep.
Final Day: 8 January – Saying Goodbye
On our final morning, we had breakfast and began packing. Before leaving, we visited the sea markets once more to buy a few souvenirs.
There were still places we didn’t manage to visit — such as Cox’s Bazar Government College and Cox’s Bazar Medical College — as I personally enjoy exploring educational institutions while travelling. Perhaps next time.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Travel with friends or family — the experience is far richer when shared.
- Research safe areas and local customs beforehand.
- Take time to simply walk the beach without a destination.
- Try the seafood — it’s fresh and unforgettable.
I hope you enjoy the beauty of the Bay of Bengal as much as I did.
