Ukhia is a small town 40km south of Cox's Bazar, sandwiched between the main highway and the hills housing the Kutupalong and Balukhali refugee camps. The town's economy revolves around camp logistics — NGO offices, supply depots, and transport hubs dominate. Security is tight; military checkpoints ring the town and camps are off-limits without official permits. Tourists have no reason to come to Ukhia. If you end up here by mistake or curiosity, you will be questioned at checkpoints and asked to leave. The handful of guesthouses cater exclusively to aid workers, journalists, and UN staff; prices are inflated (20-35 USD) and rooms are dire. Do not include Ukhia in your Cox's Bazar itinerary. It is a restricted, tense, and uncomfortable place for casual travellers.
The town centre consists of a single main road lined with tea stalls, mobile shops, and NGO offices with barbed-wire gates. The atmosphere is wary. Photography is forbidden near camps and checkpoints; soldiers will delete your photos or confiscate your phone if you try. The local population is poor and overwhelmed by the camp presence. Resentment is palpable. If you are in Ukhia legitimately for work, stay at Ababil Guest House or Ukhia Inn and keep a low profile. If you are a tourist who took the wrong bus, take the next bus back to Cox's Bazar or Teknaf and forget this detour.
Where to stay in Ukhia
Do not stay in Ukhia unless you are an aid worker with no alternative. Ababil Guest House and Ukhia Inn charge 25-40 USD for basic rooms with fans and erratic electricity. Security is a concern; rooms have padlocks, not key-card systems. Food options are limited to a couple of basic restaurants serving rice and curry. NGO staff often bring their own food. If you must overnight, book ahead — the few rooms fill with aid workers and you may be turned away without a reservation or proof of work purpose.
Things to do in Ukhia
Walking in Ukhia is not advisable for tourists. The town is small, security is tight, and checkpoints are frequent. Locals and aid workers view outsiders with suspicion. If you must walk — for example, from a guesthouse to a bus stand — stay on the main road, walk quickly, and avoid side lanes. Do not photograph anything. Do not engage in conversations about the camps or politics. The best walk in Ukhia is the walk back onto the bus that takes you elsewhere.
All walking routesGetting there & around Ukhia
Ukhia is 40km south of Cox's Bazar and 40km north of Teknaf. Buses between Cox's Bazar and Teknaf pass through Ukhia hourly, costing 70-90 taka from Cox's Bazar (90 minutes) or 40-50 taka from Teknaf (one hour). CNGs within Ukhia charge 50-80 taka per trip but availability is limited. Most travel is by NGO vehicles. If you are in Ukhia by mistake, board the next bus in either direction. If you are there for work, your organisation will arrange transport. Do not attempt to hire a car or motorbike to explore; checkpoints will stop you.
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Hotels in Ukhia
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Reads on Ukhia
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