Asia · Bangladesh · 2026-01

Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

The world's longest natural sea beach, affordable food, and sunsets you'll never forget. We did it all for under $120 for two.

5 days$120 for 2beachbudgetBangladesh

Cox's Bazar is home to the world's longest uninterrupted natural sea beach — 120 km of sand stretching south toward Myanmar. We visited in January 2026 and it exceeded every expectation.

Why Cox's Bazar

Warm, affordable, and photogenic. Getting there from Dhaka is easy (overnight bus or 1-hour flight), accommodation is dirt cheap, and the seafood is some of the freshest we've ever had.

Day by Day

Day 1

Arrival & Laboni Beach

  • Morning bus from Dhaka Sayedabad — 8 hours, AC sleeper
  • Check in to hotel in Kolatoli area
  • First walk on Laboni Beach at sunset
  • Dinner at a local seafood stall — grilled hilsa + rice
Day 2

Himchari & Inani Beach

  • Rent a CNG auto for the day (~400 BDT)
  • Himchari National Park — waterfall trail and hilltop views
  • Inani Beach — clear turquoise water and rock formations
  • Fresh coconut on the beach
  • Back to Cox's Bazar for street food dinner
Day 3

Saint Martin Island

  • 5am wake-up for the speedboat from Teknaf ghat (book 1 day ahead)
  • White sand, coral reefs, crystal-clear water
  • Snorkeling near the coral reef
  • Lunch at a guesthouse — fresh fish curry and coconut
  • Return speedboat late afternoon
Day 4

Ramu & Local Market

  • Visit Ramu village — Buddhist temples and handwoven crafts
  • Local handicraft market
  • Afternoon beach photography
  • Sunset at Kolatoli beach
  • Farewell seafood dinner
Day 5

Departure

  • Morning beach walk before checkout
  • Bus back to Dhaka Sayedabad
  • Arrive Dhaka evening

Trip Cost Breakdown

Transport

Dhaka–Cox's Bazar bus (return, ×2)

Shyamoli AC bus

$24

Saint Martin speedboat (return, ×2)

Book at Teknaf ghat

$18

Local CNG & rickshaw

$8

Accommodation

3-star hotel, 4 nights

Kolatoli area, includes breakfast

$32

Food

All meals (5 days, 2 people)

Local stalls and restaurants

$24

Activities

Himchari entry + snorkeling gear

$6

Miscellaneous

Souvenirs, snacks, tips

$8

Total

for 2 people

$120

Tips

  • Best season: November–March. Avoid June–September (monsoon).
  • Saint Martin: Book speedboat tickets 1 day in advance in peak season.
  • Inani vs Laboni: Inani is calmer and cleaner. Laboni is busier and more social.
  • Accommodation: Kolatoli area has the best budget hotels near the beach.
  • Budget: $10–15/day per person is comfortable. Less is very possible.