COX’S BAZAR
Cox’s Bazaar is a historic resort town that boasts one of the longest sea beaches in the world. Although it is one of the more popular tourist destinations in the region, it’s still easy to find long stretches of beach that are not crowded. As well as the fun of the surf, there is much to do and see in this colorful tribal market town.
Maheskhali and Sonadia islands are both just a boat ride away. Saint Martin’s island, the southernmost point of the country, is reached via a scenic two hour drive south to Teknaf, a border town with Burma. From where it is just a breezy 14 kilometer launch journey away. It’s a small, sparsely populated coral reef island with a single hotel and plenty of vacant beaches and coconut trees.
Visiting the islands and beaches, there are many activities you can do: offshore cruises, swimming, sunbathing, seashell hunting, beach-combing, sightseeing and photography, drinking milk from the green coconuts, pony-back riding, or helping with sea turtle conservation. There is a whole host of varied pastimes.
Highlights include the beaches, coral or alluvial islands, fishing villages, indigenous tribal cultures, conservation projects, traditional sea-salt extraction, fish and prawn hatcheries, optional live-in guest facilities, Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic shrines and architecture, a still pristine ecological environment and plenty of chances to observe the profuse local flora and fauna.