Cox's Bazar, in the far south-east of Bangladesh, has one of the longest natural sea beaches in the world — well over 100 km of sand. Here is how to get there, when to go, and what to know about Saint Martin's Island.
Fly from Dhaka (about an hour) or take the Cox's Bazar Express train (about 8 hours, running since December 2023). Go between November and February for calm sea and dry weather. Drive the Marine Drive to Inani and Himchari. Saint Martin's Island has strict seasonal limits and needs a travel pass — check the current season's rules.
Saint Martin's is Bangladesh's only coral island. To protect it, the government now limits visits. For the 2025–26 season the rules included a cap of 2,000 visitors per day, a Travel Pass with QR code from the Bangladesh Tourism Board on every ticket, limits on overnight stays in parts of the season, closure from February, and bans on single-use plastic, coral collection, bonfires and loud noise. These rules can change every season, so check the latest before booking.
November to February is the best time: dry, mild and calm. March to May gets hot. The monsoon (about June to September) brings rough sea and heavy rain.
Currents can be strong. Swim only in marked areas, follow lifeguard flags, and don't swim at night or during the monsoon. Women travellers usually feel more comfortable in modest swimwear or clothes, as most local visitors swim fully dressed.
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Fly in about one hour, take the Cox's Bazar Express train in about 8 hours, or take an overnight bus.
November to February, when the weather is dry and the sea is calm.
It is one of the longest natural sea beaches in the world, with well over 100 km of continuous sand.
Yes, during the permitted season, with a Travel Pass and QR-coded ticket. In 2025–26 visits were capped at 2,000 people per day and the island closed from February. Check the current season's rules.
Swim only in marked areas with lifeguards, follow the flags, and avoid swimming at night or in the monsoon because currents can be strong.
Last updated: 6 October 2026. Written by Nazrul Islam, personal shopper in Dhaka.
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