The center of Chittagong is nearby to the world's longest beach, and its sands and water are an attraction for vacationing Bangladeshis and tourists.
Chittagong is the second-largest city of Bangladesh and is on the Bay of Bengal between India and Burma. It is a place of historic tourist attractions and within short distance of green hills and forests, where tribal peoples still spin crafts and speak a language of their own.
Accommodations in Chittagong range from luxurious to very economical, especially by American standards.
Plan when you will go. The best time to visit Bangladesh is from mid-October to the end of February. That is the coolest and most comfortable time of the year, when the weather is dry and fresh. If you want to go to the beach, the best beach weather is toward the last week of September or anytime in October.
Spend a few days at the beach in Cox's Bazaar, a beach area for Bangladeshis and for tourists, located in the Chittagong Division (state). It is about 100 miles from Chittagong (city) and near the Myanmar border. It has a Burmese Buddhist flavor, according to Bangladesh EcoTours.
You can take excursions to nearby islands, such as St. Martins, which offer secluded beaches. Spend a day helping with sea turtle conservation, enjoy drinking green coconut milk from the husk and take your children pony riding.
Hotels in Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, range from luxurious resorts to very economical. Book your hotel in advance, as it can be difficult to find a room during the peak tourist months of September and October.
The Chittagong website lists 10 hotels in Cox's Bazar from one to five stars. The Seagull Hotels and the Hotel Sea Palace are five star, and prices for attractive accommodations are moderate by American standards. The Hotel Sea Palace has budget accommodations as well.
Visit Teknaf, 20 miles south of Cox's Bazar Beach in Chittagong. It is the southernmost tip of Bangladesh on the Burmese border. See the natural hills, waterfalls and forests, as well as the Naf River. There are wild animals and birds in the hills and Travel Bangladesh states that the most interesting attraction is a journey on the river. Burmese and tribal peoples sell handcrafts at the local market.
For a budget accommodation iGuide recommends the Sky View Hotel. Other choices include the Hotel Hilltop or the Hotel Dip Plaza, which is larger and cleaner. The Hotel Ne-Taung is government-run and is described by iGuide as the best hotel in town. The prices (including all hotels) run from $2 to $12 per night. (2010 prices and exchange rate).
Explore the Chittagong Hilltracts. Approximately 500,000 tribespeople live a largely traditional self-sustaining and natural lifestyle in Bangladesh, among 14 different tribes. The foothills, or hilltracts, of Chittagong are pristine and only recently accesible through an agreement with the government of Bangladesh. Ecotourism helps supports the economy of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Ecotours has packages available to visit the tribespeoples in Chittagong.
About 40 miles north of Chittagong (city) is the village of Rangamati, where you can enjoy a large portion of the natural beauty of the country, as well as be in contact with the tribal peoples and gain understanding into their natural lifestyle. The Hotel Sufia and the Hotel Green Castle have attractive rooms that go for around $50 to $110. (2010 prices and exchange rate).
