World longest beach, Cox’s Bazar

From the mist-shrouded peaks of Bandarban to the edge of the Bay of Bengal, Cox’s Bazar shifts the landscape completely. It is home to the longest unbroken natural sandy beach in the world, stretching an incredible 120 kilometers (75 miles) along the southeastern coast of Bangladesh.

Where Bandarban gives you a sea of clouds, Cox’s Bazar gives you an endless horizon of rolling surf, spectacular golden sunsets, and the iconic Marine Drive.

The Major Beach Zones

The vibe changes completely depending on which part of the 120 km stretch you visit. The main beach areas are loosely divided by crowds and scenery:

• Laboni & Sugandha Beach: The buzzing heart of the town. This is where most hotels are located, and it’s perfect for people-watching, trying local street food (like fried fish and dry-fish delicacies), and catching vibrant sunset crowds.

• Inani Beach: Located about 30 km south, Inani is famous for its unique coral stone structures that emerge during low tide. The water here is clearer, the sand is cleaner, and the atmosphere is significantly quieter than the town center.

• Himchari: Famous for its refreshing cold-water waterfalls and a hilltop viewpoint that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the vast blue sea on one side and lush green hills on the other.

Cruising the Marine Drive

Connecting the town center to Teknaf is the 80 km Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive. It is widely considered one of the most scenic driving roads in Asia.

On a motorcycle or an open-air auto-rickshaw (Tomtom), you cruise along a strip of smooth asphalt where the foothills of the Chittagong Hill Tracts directly clash with the crashing waves of the Bay of Bengal.