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Wooden boats lined up on golden sand at Inani Beach
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Itineraries · 8 min read

One week in Cox's Bazar

A full 7-day plan that includes 3 island trips, hill treks, and enough downtime to read a book under a palm tree without feeling guilty.

Days 1-2: settle in and explore town

Arrive in Cox's Bazar and check into a hotel in Kolatoli. Spend the first afternoon walking the 5-km stretch from Laboni to Sugandha Beach. Stop at Mermaid Beach Resort for cold drinks—they allow non-guests to use the beachfront chairs for $2. Dinner at EFC (Elite Fried Chicken) on Jahajghata Road: fried chicken and fries cost $4.50, open until midnight.

Day two is for Himchari and Inani. Rent a motorbike for $12 and ride south. Himchari waterfall is thin in winter but the trail through the forest is worth it. Continue to Inani Beach, 30 km from town, where the sand is finer and the crowds disappear. Lunch at Inani Beach Resort: prawn curry with rice is $5. Return by dusk and have sundowners at Niribili Restaurant overlooking the bay.

Days 3-4: Saint Martin Island

Catch the 8 AM ship from Teknaf Jetty to Saint Martin. The boat ride takes 2.5 hours and costs $10 return; book the day before at Teknaf Ghat ticket office. Stay at Blue Marine Resort for $30/night—simple rooms, fan-only, but right on the beach. Spend the afternoon snorkeling at Chera Dwip (Dead Island) when the tide is low; rent gear for $3.

Day four is for circling the island on foot. The full loop is 8 km and takes three hours at a lazy pace. Stop at Coral View for grilled lobster—market price, usually $12-15. Avoid the souvenir hawkers near the jetty; nothing is coral, it is all bleached shells. Return to Cox's Bazar on the 3 PM boat and collapse.

Days 5-6: temples and safari

Day five: hire a CNG for the day ($20) and visit Ramu. Tour Lamanchor Temple, Boro Bazar Shahi Jame Mosque, and the U Ottama Monastery. The driver will wait. Pack lunch or eat at Ramu Bazaar—singara and cha cost 30 taka. Return via Dulahazara Safari Park if you want to see Bengal tigers; entry and jeep safari total $20.

Day six is Maheshkhali Island. Take the 9 AM ferry from Chakaria Ghat ($0.50, 30 minutes). Rent a bike on the island for $5 and ride to Adinath Temple at the top of the hill—360-degree views, Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, and incense smoke. Lunch at Chowdhury Hotel near the dock: fish curry with vegetables is $3. Catch the 4 PM ferry back and have a quiet dinner in town.

Day 7: market crawl and departure

Your last morning is for Burmese Market on Main Road. Get there by 9 AM for the best selection of longyi fabric, woven baskets, and spices. Bargain down to half the opening price. Walk to Jhauban Beach for a final swim, then lunch at Sayeman Beach Resort restaurant (open to non-guests): beef rezala is $7. Depart late afternoon or evening depending on your flight from Chittagong.

Questions, answered

Is one week too long for Cox's Bazar?
No. A week lets you visit Saint Martin Island, Maheshkhali, the temples in Ramu, and still have beach time without rushing. Less than five days and you will skip something important.
How much money do I need for a week in Cox's Bazar?
Budget $400-500 per person, including mid-range hotels ($25-35/night), all meals, island trips, transport, and one or two paid activities like the safari or snorkeling.
What should I pack for a week in Cox's Bazar?
Sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and a sarong for temple visits. Bring cash in small notes—many places do not take cards. A reusable water bottle saves money and plastic.
Can I do laundry during a week-long stay?
Yes. Most hotels offer same-day laundry service for $3-5 per load. There are also small laundromats near Kolatoli Circle that charge by the kilo, around $1.50/kg.

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