Himchari National Park sits 12km south of Cox's Bazar centre, where the Marine Drive highway cuts through low green hills before reaching the coast. The park's namesake waterfall flows November through May; by June it is a trickle, and July through October it runs strong again during monsoon. The falls are small — perhaps 8 metres — and locals picnic on the rocks below. Entry costs 20 taka for Bangladeshis, 300 taka for foreigners. The park road winds 2km through forest to reach the beach below. Himchari Beach is narrower and rockier than Kolatoli but far less crowded. A scattering of small resorts charge 38-60 USD per night; they are basic but clean and the only beachfront lodging between central Cox's Bazar and Inani.
Himchari is a half-day destination for most visitors — see the waterfall, walk the beach, eat lunch at one of the park's mediocre restaurants, and return to town. Overnight stays make sense if you want forest sounds and morning birdwatching. The park has a small Buddhist temple near the entrance; it is unmaintained and not particularly interesting. Monkeys appear occasionally near the waterfall; do not feed them or open food in your hands. The beach below the park is accessible by a steep concrete staircase — 200 steps, hard on the knees. Swimming is safe in calm weather but the beach is stony; bring footwear. Himchari suits nature-leaning travellers who accept limited dining and nightlife in exchange for greenery and quiet.
Where to stay in Himchari
Accommodation is minimal. Himchari Beach Resort and Sayeman Beach Resort Himchari are the two main options, charging 45-70 USD for rooms with AC and partial sea views. Both are aging and maintenance is inconsistent. Expect intermittent WiFi, generator power in evenings only, and breakfast that consists of toast, eggs, and weak tea. If you want better food, bring supplies from Cox's Bazar or accept the park restaurant's fried rice and greasy curry. Off-season discounts reach 30 percent; bargain directly at reception. Several eco-cottage operations exist deeper in the park but access is difficult and quality is a gamble.
Things to do in Himchari
Enter Himchari National Park and walk the paved path to the waterfall (500 metres). Spend fifteen minutes at the falls, then return to the park road. Walk downhill following signs to the beach; this is another 1km descending through forest. At the beach access, descend the concrete staircase. Walk south along the beach for 800 metres, then return and climb the stairs. Walk back up the park road to the entrance. The full loop takes about ninety minutes. Bring water — no vendors exist inside the park. The stairs are the hardest part; if you have knee problems, skip the beach descent.
All walking routesGetting there & around Himchari
Himchari is 12km south of central Cox's Bazar along Marine Drive. CNGs charge 300-400 taka one-way from Kolatoli; agree on return pickup time if you want the same driver. Shared jeeps heading to Teknaf pass Himchari park entrance; flag one down on Marine Drive and pay 50-60 taka. Jeeps run 7am to 5pm. Private car hire for a half-day Himchari-Inani loop costs 2500-3000 taka. Within the park, walk or hire a park vehicle (rare and overpriced). The descent to the beach is on foot only; no vehicles permitted. Return transport after 6pm is difficult; plan to leave by 5pm or pre-arrange a CNG pickup.
Good to know
Hotels in Himchari
See all stays Himchari →Hand-picked stays with live prices — and the full search covers every bookable property at the same price or better.
Reads on Himchari
All blog posts →Blog guides and articles dedicated to this area — what to do, where to stay and how to plan the day.