Cox's Bazar Beach

About this place

Cox's Bazar Beach is the longest natural sea beach in Asia, running 120 km along the Bay of Bengal, the third longest in the world and the top tourist destination in Bangladesh. It is about 200 m wide at high tide and 400 m at low tide. Locals come in great numbers on holidays, while the southern parts stay far quieter. The kings of Arakan ruled the area from the 9th century until the Mughals conquered it in 1666. The Mughal prince Shah Shuja is said to have admired its beauty on his way to Arakan and camped his forces here. The present name comes from the British officer Hiram Cox in the late 18th century, who worked on resettling refugees in the area. In the busiest part, near Laboni Beach, you see sellers, umbrellas, horses and markets. Heading south towards Inani the scene grows calmer, and big colourful fishing boats appear on the sand. Sunset is the finest moment of the day, when the sea turns orange. Beware of quicksand at low tide, and watch for currents. It is about 3 km in a straight line from the town centre. The best season runs from November to February, and storms and floods are more likely in the rainy season. Modest dress is the norm on the beach, so keep to that.