Cox's Bazaar
Bangladesh's only beach resort is near the
Myanmar border in an area where Rohingya refugees have settled to escape
persecution in Myanmar. It has a Burmese Buddhist flavour and few amenities to
service the visitors attracted by its enormous expanse of shark-free beach. Even
modestly clad bathers, especially females, should expect to be gawked at by
locals and Bangladeshi holidaymakers. Bangladeshi women who swim (they are a
rare breed) do so in a flowing shalwar kameez. South of Cox's Bazar are more
secluded beaches where having a swim can still be a private experience rather
than a public spectacle. They include Himacheri Beach and Inani Beach. Note that
the beaches are not considered entirely safe at night.
The road from Chittagong to Cox's Bazar used to be one of the worst in the
country and now since work has completed is the best. The experience bound to be
a pleasant one. But if you made your way from Dhaka to Chittagong by road and
don't feel like hitting it again, you can avoid it altogether by taking a short
20 minute flight from there. Alternatively there are regular buses to and from
Cox's Bazar. Also buses go straight from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar, a distance of
370km (230mi).