For travellers sitting in Islamabad and craving a dose of sun and sea, Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh is a surprisingly reachable escape. It’s not just another beach town.
You won’t find a direct Islamabad–Cox’s Bazar flight on any search engine, but the trip is still fairly simple. Most travellers fly to Dhaka first, then catch a short local flight to Cox’s Bazar. Airlines like US-Bangla, NovoAir, and Biman Bangladesh handle this route daily.
If you use Skyscanner, you’ll see that the average round-trip fare, when booked early, usually lands between PKR 180,000 and PKR 220,000. The smart move? Fly midweek, avoid school holidays, and target the shoulder months, February to April or September to November, when ticket and hotel prices both drop.
What It’ll Cost You
A five-day budget getaway will cost roughly PKR 250,000 to 300,000, depending on how much comfort you need. That includes flights, stay, food, and activities. According to ChampionTraveler:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (PKR) |
| Flights | 180,000 – 220,000 |
| Accommodation | 35,000 – 45,000 |
| Food & Local Travel | 20,000 – 25,000 |
| Activities & Extras | 10,000 – 15,000 |
For hotels, skip the big resorts. You’ll find good-value options on Booking.com and Agoda. Sea Crown Hotel near Laboni Beach or White Orchid downtown offer clean rooms for under USD 40 a night , walking distance from the sea.
What to Do Once You’re There
Cox’s Bazar is all about slow days and salty air. Start your mornings with a stroll along Laboni Beach, where fishermen return with fresh catches. Take a local bus or rickshaw to Inani Beach or Himchari National Park, both less crowded and scenic. The Mermaid Café is a perfect spot for sunset tea, while Laboni Market offers cheap souvenirs and local snacks.
Most local attractions cost little or nothing , you can easily spend under PKR 1,000 a day on food and fun.
Visa and Practical Tips
Pakistani citizens need a tourist visa for Bangladesh, which you can apply for through the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad. Processing usually takes five to seven working days. Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity left.
When packing, keep it light: beachwear, sunscreen, a portable charger, and basic meds. Exchange some currency to Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) before departure, since smaller vendors rarely take cards.
Read Also: Exploring the Tea Gardens of Srimangal and Jaflong in Bangladesh
