Ramu is a Buddhist-majority village in the hills 16km east of Cox's Bazar town. It feels entirely separate from the beach tourism circus — no hotels line the roads, no touts chase you, no seafood grills. Instead, you get teak monasteries, prayer flags, and elderly monks sweeping temple courtyards. Ramu's dozen temples date from the 18th and 19th centuries; the largest, Mong Ghong Thong Kyong Monastery, is still active. The village is also known for traditional bamboo and rattan handicrafts; small workshops sell baskets, mats, and furniture. Most visitors spend three to four hours in Ramu as a day-trip from Cox's Bazar. There is nowhere to stay overnight except a couple of grim guesthouses; you would not want to.
The village is quiet, green, and conservative. Dress modestly when entering temples — knees and shoulders covered. Remove shoes at temple entrances; look for the piles of sandals. Monks are friendly but speak limited English. Photography is allowed in most temples but ask permission first. Friday and Saturday see more Bengali tourists; weekdays are calmer. The village suffered anti-Buddhist violence in 2012; temples were burned and rebuilt. Security has since tightened and the community is wary. Be respectful, do not pry into politics, and avoid visiting during dusk or after dark when access roads are poorly lit and uncomfortable for outsiders.
Where to stay in Ramu
Ramu is a day-trip destination. Do not plan to stay overnight — the two or three guesthouses that exist are dire and cater to Bangladeshi labourers and NGO staff. If you must sleep here for some reason, expect 20-30 USD for a room with a fan and communal bathroom. Electricity is intermittent, food options nonexistent. Stay in Cox's Bazar and visit Ramu in the morning, returning by early afternoon.
Things to do in Ramu
Start at Mong Ghong Thong Kyong Monastery on the main road. After visiting, walk north along the road for 400 metres to reach a second smaller temple, Rakhine Thong Monastery. Continue north another 500 metres to a third temple on a low hill. Descend and turn west along a dirt lane that loops back toward the village centre, passing teak houses and handicraft workshops. At the main road, turn south and return to the starting monastery. The circuit takes one hour at a slow pace, longer if you stop to explore workshops or talk to monks.
All walking routesGetting there & around Ramu
Ramu is 16km east of Cox's Bazar town centre. Buses from Cox's Bazar bus terminal to Ramu depart hourly 7am to 4pm, costing 40-50 taka and taking forty minutes. CNGs charge 400-500 taka one-way; negotiate a round-trip rate (800-1000 taka) including waiting time. Most visitors hire a CNG for a half-day Ramu trip, leaving Cox's Bazar at 9am and returning by 1pm. Within Ramu, walk — the village is tiny. Cycle-rickshaws exist but are unnecessary. Return buses from Ramu to Cox's Bazar run until 5pm; after that, you must hire a CNG at inflated rates.
Good to know
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