Miles of golden sands, towering cliffs, surfing waves, rare conch shells, colorful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, delightful sea-food--this is Cox's Bazar, the tourist capital of Bangladesh. Having the world's longest (120 kilometers.) beach sloping gently down to the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, Cox's Bazar is one of the most attractive tourist spots in the country.Located at a distance of 152 km. south of Chittagong, the leading seaport of Bangladesh, Cox's Bazar is connected both by air and road from Dhaka and Chittagong.



http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/himsari4coxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/coxbeach1.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/coxbeach2.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/himsari2coxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/sunsetcoxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/peoplecoxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/himsari5coxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/himsari3coxsbazar.jpg

nice Mirza. Looking forward to seeing photos of some of the hotels there.

Hotels

Hotel Seagull

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/seagullhotel37.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotel14coxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotelseagullpool3.jpg

Hotel Praasad

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotel1coxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotelpraasadcoxsbazar.jpg

Crown Plaza

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotel9.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotelseapalace8coxsbazar.jpg

Other Hotels
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotel3coxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotel5coxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotel11coxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotel4coxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotel7coxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotel10coxsbazar-1.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotel8coxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotel12coxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotel8.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotel6coxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotel10coxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotelstogethercoxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotel13coxsbazar.jpg

Mercantile Bank

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/mercantilebankcoxsbazar.jpg

AB Bank

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/abbankcoxsbazar.jpg

Niribili Restaurant

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/restaurant2coxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/restaurantatnightcoxsbazar.jpg

Great pics Mirza, is this from your own recent trip? Also, is that first pic of Himchhari?

wow Cox's Bazar has developed nicely!!

Wow, those second set of pics wasn't up when I posted my first reply! Are all those apartments in Cox's Bazar? The place sure has changed a lot since I lived in BD!

Wow, those second set of pics wasn't up when I posted my first reply! Are all those apartments in Cox's Bazar? The place sure has changed a lot since I lived in BD!

Yea Tanzirian,those are pics from my recent trip.All those buildings are hotels,..and that place has changed completely in 4 years...the previous time i went,most of these didn't exist.Construction of large hotels including the Coxbay is still going on...so you can expect to see another big change within 2-3 years.

is that Crowne Plaza part of the international chain? i didnt notice that hotel when i was there 2 months back

great pictures! what percentage of tourists in your best guess go to cox bazar are from bangladesh and what percentage are from other countries?

great pictures! what percentage of tourists in your best guess go to cox bazar are from bangladesh and what percentage are from other countries?

I visited the place during the OFF SEASON,so wouldn't know what its like during the peak time.From what I have seen,about 5% are from other countries and 95% from Bd.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/seagullfromGoogleEarth.jpg
Cox's Bazar and St. Martins are quite clear on Google Earth nowadays...

compare...those
Hotels

Hotel Seagull

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/seagullhotel37.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotel14coxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotelseagullpool3.jpg

Wow! There are so many hotels and guest houses in Cox Bazar. Things have changed quite a bit within a short period of time. Most of these hotels are fully booked during peak season. Off season draws good number of visitors as well.

The swimming pool of hotel prasad doesn't look good. I don't think anyone should bath in that water. They need to add chlorine.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/seagullfromGoogleEarth.jpg
Cox's Bazar and St. Martins are quite clear on Google Earth nowadays...

Thanks for the image Tareq.The Semi-circle type of structure that can be seen at the bottom of the image is the Hotel Praasad.

Last time I was living in BD (early 1990s) the best place to say was the Parjatan's Hotel Shaibal. We stayed there three years in a row 1990 - 1992. To begin with it was actually quite good but you could see the quality visibly go down each subsequent year we went.

I think the first time I visited Cox's Bazar was 1982 or so. Then my family stayed at Hotel Sayemon. I was a kid back then so I don't have too many memories of what the hotel was like but from the pics we have it had a pretty nice swimming pool.

Anybody know if those two are still around?

Also Mirza, did you get the chance to take any pics of Chittagong?

Last time I was living in BD (early 1990s) the best place to say was the Parjatan's Hotel Shaibal. We stayed there three years in a row 1990 - 1992. To begin with it was actually quite good but you could see the quality visibly go down each subsequent year we went.

I think the first time I visited Cox's Bazar was 1982 or so. Then my family stayed at Hotel Sayemon. I was a kid back then so I don't have too many memories of what the hotel was like but from the pics we have it had a pretty nice swimming pool.

Anybody know if those two are still around?

Also Mirza, did you get the chance to take any pics of Chittagong?

Dont know about the old hotels Tan,and yea,I did take shots of Chittagong,will be posting them in the chittagong thread in a day or two.Tmac,dont kill me for that! ; )

Some aerial photos of Cox's Bazar

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/coxsbazaraerialview2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/coxsbazaraerialview.jpg

Cox's Bazar Bus terminal

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/coxsbazarbusterminal.jpg

Cox's Bazar submarine cable landing station

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/coxsbazarsubmarinestation.jpg

Cox Bazaar is absolutely beautiful. Also i believe the first and fourth picture is of Himchoori. That part of the beach is absolutely breathtaking. The beach there is extremely clean and behind the beach you have cliffs with waterfalls and hills you can climb. Definitely something people should try.

Prasaad Paradise Hotel and Resort in Cox's Bazar

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/218/489816883_e2392f5b3a_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/222/489821055_77922d9c6b_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/215/489818343_97b4d9145a_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/203/489798460_0f3f82690e_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/212/489814871_2768bc1748_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/221/489758512_d61260776a_b.jpg

Some aerial photos of Cox's Bazar



Is that an airstrip?

Is that an airstrip?

that's the airport I think.

Hotel Media International

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/hotelmediainternational3.jpg

Hotel Sea Crown

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/hotelseacrown6.jpg

Hotel Kollol

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/hotelkollolcoxsbazar3.jpg

5 Star Hotel Sea Gull

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/hotelseagull30.jpg

Prasaad Paradise Hotel & Resort

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/praasadparadise8.jpg

Government owned Motel Upal

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/motelupal4.jpg

Government owned Motel Labonee

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/motellabonee.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/motelcoxsbazar.jpg

hotel media int on the far left

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s191/mdmasud/P1010651.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s191/mdmasud/P1010687.jpg

nice pics as usual Masud. Is that helicopter for sightseeing purpose?

Great work Tmac and Masud!Keep it up

5 star Sea Gull Hotel

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/seagullhotel30.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/seagullhotel31.jpg

View of Cox's Bazar seen from Hotel Sea Gull

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/coxsbazar40.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/coxsbazar41.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/coxsbazar42.jpg

Hotel Sea Crown

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/coxsbazar45.jpg

Motel Labonee

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/motellabonee6.jpg

Hotel Sea Palace

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/hotelseapalace21.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/hotelseapalace20-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/hotelseapalace22.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/hotelseapalace23.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/hotelseapalace26.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/hotelseapalace24.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/hotelseapalace27.jpg

A beautiful road in Cox's Bazar

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/coxsbazardrive.jpg

Praasad Paradise Hotel and Resort

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/praasadparadise10.jpg

5 star Hotel Sea Gull

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/hotelseagull35.jpg

nice pics as usual Masud. Is that helicopter for sightseeing purpose?

as far i know, this helicopter(AS 350 B) belongs to aero technologies (pvt) ltd, a subsidiary of nitol group.
they rent this for various purposes like.... tourist spot visit, aerial survey, filming, relief work, emergency medical service, transportation of personnel and also other pleasure trips including bridal parties :)

http://www.nitolniloy.com/atl_vision.html


http://www.nitolniloy.com/nitol_bay_resort.html

Is this some sort of beach resort?

The scenery is soothing..

Is this some sort of beach resort?

The scenery is soothing..

Yes, this is the main beach resort along the southeast coast of the country.

A beautiful road in Cox's Bazar

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/coxsbazardrive.jpg

I wonder if this is the marine drive

Yes, this is the main beach resort along the southeast coast of the country.

I wish they also invest money on the balochistan coast line. It is also very vast and beautiful with very low population density. :)

I think the other scenic area must be CHT.

I wish they also invest money on the balochistan coast line. It is also very vast and beautiful with very low population density. :)

I think the other scenic area must be CHT.

Bangladesh is mostly flat delta farmland, which however has its own charm. There are some hills in the northeast and southeast. The ones in the southeast are called Chittagong Hill Tracts. There are beaches in the southwest (Kuakata) and southeast (Cox's Bazar etc.). The hills you see in the Cox's Bazar photos can be considered part of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The other major major natural attraction is the Sundarbans mangrove forest in the southwest.

I wish they also invest money on the balochistan coast line. It is also very vast and beautiful with very low population density. :)

I think the other scenic area must be CHT.

You mean Balochistan, Pakistan?

Cox's Bazar

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s191/mdmasud/P1020656_1.jpg

lower image quality due to extended zoom

You mean Balochistan, Pakistan?

Yes.

My dad had plans to visit CHT for this annual air force get together [old boys association]. But then the PAF chief died in an air crash and the whole trip got called off.. :(

Here's a documentary showing cox bazar and all of its attractions.http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5615640261222885480&q=faces+of+bengalia

Here's a documentary showing cox bazar and all of its attractions.http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5615640261222885480&q=faces+of+bengalia

Wow. I didn't think I would have the patience to watch this 40+ minute clip. I watched the whole thing. I enjoyed it so much that I am getting ready to watch it one more time before I go to sleep.

Apart from the natural beauty of Bangladesh, I also enjoyed watching how a lot of us talk with so much confidence these days. If you are under 20 years of age, it'll be hard for you to believe that we as a nation have had a big boost of confidence in last few decades. No exaggeration at all.

Thank you for the link.

^^ I'm glad you enjoyed the video megna. Google has a lot of videos like this about Bangladesh so check their website for more. Also, wikipedia has some extra media about cox's bazar as well.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/178861063_3e5bebbe71_b.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/178864159_f5ad006736_b.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/178864861_d521ce8002_b.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/178865152_bc7c1d7311_b.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/178865493_433d40bcd3_b.jpg

Sun set
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/178865707_3d98a85ee5_b.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/178865983_ec437bc13a_b.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/178866241_7be71b7f41_b.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/189944397_78c3ee8eea_b.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/189944709_b32ac623fb_b.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/tareq79/cox.jpg

If you have taken these pictures, Tareq, you are a good photographer. If not, you have good taste in photography.

The pictures you are talking about were taken by Omer Faruk, one of my old buddies (who's profession is all about analog VLSI IC design but he is an amateur photographer! What a combination!:D )...I think his pictures are too good to be called amateurish!

A photo of Cox's Bazar. Hotel Sea Crown can be seen in it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/coxsbazarview10.jpg

Hotel Sea Crown seen from the beach.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/hotelseacrown10.jpg

Cox's Bazar Beach

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/coxbazarbeach45.jpg

Tmac, your aerial photos of CB are great :applause: Thanks!

Move to turn Cox's Bazar into a modern resort city

http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/06/02/2007-06-02__nat01.jpg
The design of sculpture, 'Sagorika,' of Beach Park at Laboni point in Cox's Bazar sea beach is on display at a meeting of Cox's Bazar Tourism Development Committee in the resort town recently.


An ambitious master plan has been undertaken to turn the resort town of Cox's Bazar into an ultramodern city which can be able to meet up the needs of the 21st century.

Major non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have expressed their keen interest to take part in the development work at an opinion exchange meeting at Hilltop Circuit House here recently.

Entrepreneurs from Dhaka and Chittagong, local journalists, businessmen, administration and joint forces officials were present at the meeting. Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner (DC) Aminul. Islam presided.

Renowned sculptor Rasa and his three friends led by Ragib Uddin Ahmed enthralled the participants in the meeting by presenting the master plan. The attractive feature was a global standard 'Beach Park' at Laboni Point and a major sculpture at its centre which to be built at an estimated cost of Tk 3 crore. Five more small sculptures surrounding the big one will be the added attraction. The main sculpture will be 60 feet high where portraits of different species of sharks can be seen along with sea wave.

They said the dream city is now a matter of time.

A drawing of the probable sculptures along with a fountain which to be built at the entry point of the resort city was also shown to the participants.

Meanwhile, the existing shell market was demolished from the original site. It will be replaced by a modern one.

Through advertisement, attention of major organisations with social commitment have been drawn to construct the sculpture.

Meanwhile, the officials of Grameen Phone, City Bank, Grameen Bank including Aktel and other organisations have shown their keen interest to take part in construction of the main sculpture and the beautification work.

The scheme includes construction of city gate, installation of cable car service and observation tower including an open stage theatre where renowned artistes of the country are likely to perform in future. The observation tower and other establishment will be of different nature.

There will be touch of classic art in the work.

Cox's Bazar Tourism Development Committee has welcomed any other improved plan, if any, from individuals or organisations.

In the meantime, the Tourist Zone of Cox's Bazar was freed from billboard. Billboard owners have been asked to refrain from giving one sided advertisement, rather they were asked to add something environment-friendly component. Flower beds will beautify the town and its surroundings beyond 15-kilometre area.

All the initiatives will turn Cox's Bazar into a different city.

http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/06/02/d70602070189.htm

^^ Sounds very promising. Hopefully these proposals will bear fruit. Projects like this one and the Sylhet riverfront development indicate that cities outside Dhaka are starting to take an interest in civic beautification, which is a good sign for the future.

Sunset at Cox's Bazar

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s191/mdmasud/DSC002907.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s191/mdmasud/DSC002906.jpg

A Burmese market by the beach in Cox's Bazar

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Bazaar-at-Cox-s-Bazaar-0.jpg

Sunset at Cox's Bazar

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s191/mdmasud/DSC002907.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s191/mdmasud/DSC002906.jpg

Those are amazing pictures man. Where is this place, i gotta take my girl there sometime.

Those are amazing pictures man. Where is this place, i gotta take my girl there sometime.

thanks zaki.
those photos are taken from up the hills at himchari.

u can find those a lot at beachside shops

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s191/mdmasud/DSC00271.jpg

When were you in Vietnam, Masud? Was it work related?

When were you in Vietnam, Masud? Was it work related?

well.. my trip to vietnam was official but i managed few days to travel around after my task done. i planned it b4 my trip ;-) ... so that i took my wife with me :)

Cox's Bazar Beach

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s191/mdmasud/P1020675.jpg

Albatross Resort, Cox's Bazar

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/albatrossresort.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/albatrossresort2.jpg

Praasad Paradise Hotels and Resorts in Cox's Bazar

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/praasadparadise16.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/praasadparadise14.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/praasadparadise15.jpg

Interesting...I hadn't realized that the Praasad Pradise building has a "C" shape...having only seen the oceanfront previously, I had thought that it was circular.

Prasad Paradise looks like paradise indeed...great pics as usual Tmac.

some Cox's Bazar panorama

photo credit: Naimul

scroll to the right ------->

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/naimul3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/naimul.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/naimul2.jpg

Cox's Bazar Beach

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/coxsbazarbeach100.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1176/1215839378_74e918ed5c_b.jpg

^^ Great panos. I must learn how to make those some day.

Love the kites. I miss flying kites.

A restaurant by the beach

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/coxsbazarbeach66.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/coxsbazar76.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/coxsbazar77.jpg

Cox's Bazar looks beautiful in all kinds of weather. Do you have any more aerial shots?

Not sure if Tmac posted these previously - some hotels in Cox's Bazar. Photos by zodac20034:

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/cb1.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/cb2.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/cb3.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/cb6.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/cb4.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/cb5.jpg

Beach Volleyball Tournament

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/beachvolleyballtourney.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/beachvolleyballtourney3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/beachvolleyballtourney2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/beachvolleyballtourney4.jpg

typical beach scene

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/coxsbazarbeach34.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach65.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach66.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach67.jpg

Sand festival in Cox’s Bazar

Blue skies, salty water and yellow sand, almost invariably are the ingredients for a perfect vacation with friends and family alike. Whether it is going wild in the water under the baking sun or simply enjoying the combination of all the major elements of nature that presents itself, the prospect of spending leisure time on the beach is luring beyond any measure.

On such a day, while one enjoys the pleasant sight of waves splashing with blue skies set across the horizon, what if suddenly his eyes were suddenly set upon pyramids popping out of the sand or even fiendish sea creatures clutching their hands out? Only a mirage as the mind would almost immediately register it as after a wild rubbing of fists against the eyelids.

Well not quite, if the concept of a Sand Festival is anything to go by. As surreal as it sounds, this may well be the outcome of the first Sand Festival set to be held later this year.

One can exercise his leisure mind by simply creating a conventional sand castle or even let their imagination run wild and showcase their sculpting talents with the sand through this event. Organised by WOW events N’ more, the sand festival will be the first of its kind not only in Bangladesh, but also in the South Asian region according to the organisers, although events such as this take place regularly in most parts of the world.

‘So far, the event has been received with great enthusiasm among the local participants while a good number of foreign students have also expressed their interest,’ says M. Islam, a member of the Core Management Committee.

‘At the moment, we are trying to promote the event through our website and few local newspapers have also outlined our plans for the event,’ says Toufique, another member of the Core Management Committee

‘Through this event, we wish to promote tourism in the country and with the event being held at Cox’s Bazaar – the longest natural beach in the world – we hope that it will add further significance to it and invoke the attention of the foreign media to try to promote our artists through cultural exchange programs,’ he adds.

According to the management, the Red Crescent Society and the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation is associated with the event while they have also received the assistance and guidance from Professor Enamul Haque, chairman, department of sculpture of the University of Dhaka, celebrated artist Rafiqunnabi and renowned architect of the country Shamsul Wares, to name a few.

‘A widely popular form of art in the western world, practice of sand sculpture is not a common sight in most of the South Asian countries,’ says Enamul Haque.

‘I hope that “WOW” will keep up the tradition of nurturing such creative, innovative ideas in the coming days,’ he adds.

‘The event will hopefully be held annually after this first installment which will take place sometime in the third week of October this year,’ concludes Toufique.

http://www.newagebd.com/2007/sep/07/sep07/xtra_also2.html

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach46.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach87.jpg

Guys,I just came back from Coxsbazar yesterday...here are some photos I took:


Sand Stone Cafe

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02735.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02768.jpg

Mermaid Cafe

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02736.jpg

Angel Drop and Sweety's Finger

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02739.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02740.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02744.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02745.jpg

City Area

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02727.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02728.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02690.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02692.jpg

Hotel Crown Plaza

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02715.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02718.jpg

Beach

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02729.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02696.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Emerging%20Dhaka/DSC02730.jpg

nice photos Mirza. The beaches look packed with tourists.

Thanks Mirza, Cox Bazaar is soo inviting :okay: I will be in Cox Bazaar in 2 months.

beach area

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach43.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach44.jpg

Thanks Mirza...you are a lucky guy going around everywhere!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazar55.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazar54.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach60.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach62.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach64.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach63.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach65-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach44-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach43-1.jpg

^^nice pictures

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/Tarikpix/Mermaid-Cafe.jpg Mermaid Cafe, located right on the beach.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/mermaidcafe5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/mermaidcafe6.jpg

beaches are packed with tourists.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach40.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach41.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach42.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach57.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach58.jpg

Cox's Bazar

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazar26.jpg

Great pictures...hope to be there on 18th January.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazardrive3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazardrive.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazardrive2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazardrive4.jpg

^^ Thanks Tmac. Question to anyone who knows: how far south of Cox's Bazar does Marine Drive follow the coast?

A tourist lookout spot in Moheskhali, Cox's Bazar

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/moheskhali11.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/moheskhali10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/moheskhali12.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/moheskhali13.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/moheskhali14.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/moheskhali15.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/moheskhali17.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/moheskhali16.jpg

A busy beach in Cox's Bazar

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach67-1.jpg

Sharp

^^ Nice. I like more pristine and quiet beaches like the spot in the Moheshkhali pics over the crowdedness of the main beach.

thanks Tmac.... moheskhali looks awesome...

probably another hotel in Cox's Bazar

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbuildings33.jpg

Cox's Bazar beach

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach46-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach45.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach47-2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach48.jpg

Angel Drop - the most famous on the beach restaurant in Cox's Bazar.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach55-1.jpg

more Himchori photos.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/himchori12.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/himchori13.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/himchori14.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/mermaidcafe4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazarbeach56.jpg

near the beach..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/coxsbazar54-1.jpg

Cox's Bazar beach panorama

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/CoxBazarBeachPanaroma4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazarbeach42.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazarbeach41.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazarbeach40.jpg

people enjoying the sunset in a beach side restaurant...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazarbeach30.jpg

the festivities

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazarbeach60.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazarbeach61.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazarbeach62.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazar28.jpg

Great coverage of Coxsbazar Tmac.If the place can retain its no.1 position and is chosen as one of the 7 wonders of nature,then am sure the whole place will be unrecognizable in a few years time.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazarbeach47.jpg

Moderator Edit

Great pictures as usual Tmac! I have been to Mermaid Cafe myself and it is in my opinion, one of the best places to chill out in the area. Food too is excellent!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazarbeach51.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazarbeach52.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazarbeach50.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazarbeach53.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazarbeach54.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazarbeach55.jpg

Beautiful Pics Tmac! Mermad cafe is an amazing place to visit,its my personal favourite.

Btw..what are those big sheds visible in the last two pics?

If my hunch is half-way right -- shops spread around like a pizza :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazar51.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazar50.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazar52.jpg

nice

A question for those in the know: are the umbrellas in post 124 associated with any hotels, and if not, who maintains them? Also, what are those things pictured in the last few pics of post 124? Food stalls?

^^ When I was there I used the leaning chair & umbrella freely without any charge..if it is owned by hotels or restaurants surely there would be some charges.. isn't it ?

Discovering a new Cox's Bazar

http://www.thedailystar.net/holiday/2008/05/02/hol01.jpg

We wanted to travel along the coast. We called it a coast feast and so the traditional Cox's Bazar became our first spot.

On a sunny warm morning, we arrived in Cox's Bazar. It was a long time since I last visited this place -- my reason to avoid it was the huge crowd that I always loathed. You have no privacy. Secondly, with the fall of dusk Cox's Bazar turns into the most boring sea resort I have ever visited. There are no clubs, no entertainment facilities. You just shut yourself up behind the hotel doors and brood over your gloomy years.

So I came here with much trepidation. But what struck me as our car coasted through the busy town is the amount of money that has gone into tourism here -- newer and newer hotels have shot up into the sky and funnily none of them are empty even on this supposedly off-season. Rickshaw fare is astronomically high to piss off any traveller. And tourists were visible even more now -- the middle-class is going out more and more, they are becoming holidaymakers. But still no signs of any clubs or entertainment spot. So, with the conservative Cox's Bazar, tourism stops there.

After we had checked into the forest guesthouse right on the beach (by the way, this is the only staying place closest to the sea), we took a stroll on the beach. We walked a long distance to a quieter place, a huge fishing boat had been beached for repair. It lay banked on one side. We took a dip in the sea to ward off the heat and then sat in the shade of the boat until we felt another need for a swim.

We got off the water thirsty. We thought of the long walk to the forest bungalow and felt thirstier. Then someone saw this signboard -- Mermaid -- hidden behind sandbars. We walked to it and suddenly discovered a new world, like an oasis in the dessert. A beautiful restaurant, landscaped with tree trunks, sawed-off wood boards showing all the rough edges, plants and bushes. The reed-thatched ceiling supported by bamboo poles hung low. The benches are made of pure raw timber chunks. Behind a bar-like counter was a black board scribbled with chalks the menu -- all very stylish.

We sat there, sipped on pineapple slush and lazily watched the sea. A Dutch couple was having lunch -- lobster soup and sandwiches. A Bangali mother in her late 30s walked in with four kids trailing her. The sun-baked kids were hollering around, playing funny games of words totally incomprehensible to us the oldies.

We felt lazy to get up, the lonely sea was giving us such a nice ambience to laze around. And the cool shade of Mermaid was so hypnotising. But our stomachs were grumbling. And we wanted to get that old taste of Jhaubon, the famous restaurant in Cox's Bazar.

And we suffered for our decision dearly. There was a big crowd outside Jhaubon; one might have mistaken the restaurant as a manpower recruitment centre if one did not know what it is. We waited for half an hour while our tummies churned. Finally, we could place our orders and true to its old reputation, the dishes were fantastic.

We spent that afternoon by the sea lying on beach chairs. This time we wanted to see the people -- they came in every shades and hues. Four women clad from head to toe in burkhas walked by, their bare feet ankle-deep in water. The souls inside the burkhas were quiet young as their doe eyes showed, they giggled as they passed by us. The honeymooners were snuggling up against each other on the beach chairs, drowned in their own world. But there were another kind of romantics -- middle-aged men in suits and ties and obese women in bright red sarees and decked with gold ornaments strolled hand in hand. The husbands carrying the vanity bags. Two men in crew cut walked with hands wrapped around each other's waist. It was truly an exhibition of human beings.

The sun turned into a pink ball and dipped beyond the horizon in to the sea. When the sky was full of stars, someone said there was a new restaurant on the beach called Chill and Grill, and that there's going to be a full-moon party on the beach tonight. Our hearts danced, this was a new Cox's Bazar we were hearing about. Wow!

The moon was yet to rise and we walked through the sand in complete darkness -- it was that magical time before it becomes a full-moon night. From the distance we could hear drum beats. Kerosene lanterns indicated the way to the restaurant. Once inside the restaurant, we were amazed -- we could not believe our eyes that this was Bangladesh, this was our old quaint Cox's Bazar. If I were brought here blindfolded, I would have vouched that this was Goa. We sat on wooden sofas, put our legs on raw-textured wooden tables, relaxed to the swish of the palm trees and watched the neon-lit window of the kitchen. The aroma from food was simply mouth-watering. There was a hammock tied between two palm trees and somebody was lying in it. A small pool was lit mysteriously.

The full-moon beach party started after 10. Huge sound boxes set on the sand blared music. People were appearing on the moon-lit beach -- men and women. And they swung their bodies to the rhythm of the beat. The soft sand underneath was a bit awkward, but you felt good. This was a new breed of tourists we were meeting here -- the ones who are bold and fun-seeking, who love to spend holidays as holidays should be.

http://www.thedailystar.net/holiday/2008/05/02/hol03.jpg

We walked away from the party at midnight, leaving the drumbeat behind. Ahead of us was the foaming sea and the sandy beach all washed with moonlight. There was that big fishing boat we saw in the morning, still lying on its side. We could see the pale shadow it cast. The beach chairs were piled together. We lay on them, the huge moon was hanging directly over our head, bathing this whole world in its soft rays. Away in the distance, we could make out a fishing trawler, slowly bobbing on the sea. A lonely dog trotted along the beach aimlessly. It looked like a spirit coming from nowhere and going nowhere. We felt light like a sheaf of corn ready to be blown away to the moon.
http://www.thedailystar.net/holiday/2008/05/02/holiday.htm

Cox's Bazar Hotel Area

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazar50-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazar51-1.jpg

Moderator Edit

Moderator Edit

the beach looks amazing! very pristine

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazarbeach123.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/coxsbazarbeach122.jpg

Starting for Coxsbazar after 3 hours,wont be back before 15th...hope to be able to bring back as many pics as possible:)

Go Mirza !! :)

Looking forward to seeing your shots...

Looking forward to your return, Mirza. I remember it was one of your trips that started this thread...and remember being impressed with how much CB had changed since I last went there in 1992. So another update is terrific.

Well,Here are the pics from my Coxsbazar trip...I avoided taking pics of many hotels that are already shwon in the previous pages of this thread,but I did take shots of Coxsbazar's newest hangout spot 'chill n grill'.


Some Hotels

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04220.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04219.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04182.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04174.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04176.jpg


HangOut Places[Each of these places have a full moon party everyweek...one that goes on all night with dancing by the bonfire,etc]

Mermaid Cafe

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04221.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04222.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04223.jpg

Guess huz chillin like a villain[only pic of the hammock,so had to post,lol,very blurry tho]

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/cropped.jpg

Chill and Grill

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04263.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04264.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04265.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04266.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04267.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04269.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04271.jpg

at night

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04245.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04231.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04229.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04242.jpg


The Natural Beauty

Marine Drive

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04190.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04192.jpg

Himchori Beach

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04194.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04195.jpg

Kalatali Beach

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04181.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04171.jpg

A restaurant

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04183.jpg


Projects

Hotels are popping up in Coxsbazar by the dozens.A construction boom is evident in the city.....two 4 stars,four 5 stars,and alot more are in the pipeline.

Here are four projects that I took shots of

Long Beach Hotel

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04272.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04273.jpg

AL-RIAD International

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04175.jpg

Unknown Hotel under-construction

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04253.jpg

The Cox Today

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC04177.jpg

Great shots Mirza :) Thanks for posting these. Is there a direct flight (by GMG or someone else) from DAC to Cox's Bazaar?

Yes GMG does fly on that route. However, I'm unsure as to whether it is a direct flight or if it is via Chittagong. They are quite irregular though. I once called up to book a seat, when they told me that they were unsure if they were flying on that day. This was two days before my scheduled trip!

Thanks for the lovely pics Mirza. Cox's Bazar is now beginning to look more like an international sea resort. :)

Yes GMG does fly on that route. However, I'm unsure as to whether it is a direct flight or if it is via Chittagong. They are quite irregular though. I once called up to book a seat, when they told me that they were unsure if they were flying on that day. This was two days before my scheduled trip!

Well they probably didn't get enough seats on the flight so they couldn't justify the flight probably. I bet they'd be very amenable to a pre-arranged group-tour though :)

Hello all, are there recommended Tour Operators from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar via Chittagong? I've found plenty on a google search but don't know which one is a good/professional operator. Help!

Hello all, are there recommended Tour Operators from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar via Chittagong? I've found plenty on a google search but don't know which one is a good/professional operator. Help!

Myself, like many of the forumers here, live abroad today, so don't know much about which tour operators are good or bad...but perhaps Mirzazeehan could give you an idea...he has been to CB a couple of times this past year, though not as part of a group I suspect.

Well they probably didn't get enough seats on the flight so they couldn't justify the flight probably. I bet they'd be very amenable to a pre-arranged group-tour though :)

Just learnt that GMG is not flying to Cox's Bazar at all this season. Leaves us only with Biman and United. Even Biman flies once a week only on Thursdays. So if you want to go there or return on any other day, you'll have to take the flight to Chittagong and then catch a bus to Cox's Bazar from there. That's simply ridiculous.

by akabaca

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/2838007487_ea248eff5d_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2838008125_ffecc98f34_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/2838840262_4f4948aaa8_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3193/2838840802_513d36f03f_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/2838007197_b34c5c8070_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2838840372_fe9fe28a6b_o.jpg

http://clip2net.com/clip/m7984/1222393613-clip-109kb.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2876420736_2e5db2ab84_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/2876419158_5fc543085f_o.jpg

Those are some fantastic shots:cheers:

Cox's Bazaar looks as charming as ever.

A very busy beach

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/26-02-200818-22-08.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/26-02-200818-22-20.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_12.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_15.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_16.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_17.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_18.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_19.jpg

More to come

great shots sudd.

thank you, sudd. what i like is - more and more deshi manush spending family and friend times in nice places.

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_20.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_21.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_22.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_23.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_24.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_26.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_27.jpg

more to follow...

looks nice. not that the place looks dirty - but, they should start to fine us for littering.

they should start to fine us for littering.

That would be the day :) ...but is also why I would prefer the less crowded beaches like Himchori or Inani, rather than the main (Laboni) beach. Thanks for the pics Sudd.

Thanks for these wonderful pics Sudd..eagerly waiting for more pics from you

Guys, please keep voting for Cox's Bazaar. Last time I checked it had dropped to no.4

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_25.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_28.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_29.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_30.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_31.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_33.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/sudd123/COX_BAZAAR_34.jpg

more coming soon...

by ohaider

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3239372204_9dc584954c_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3402/3239372794_dbaf4c1f4e_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3459/3239373874_707d81524f_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/3238536075_f9fce013aa_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3340/3239375678_6c5a0d0676_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3525/3239376204_c0a679ffc7_b.jpg

Prasad Palace, Cox'sbazar

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3298/3239381424_e74f231093_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3511/3239404174_1b777bee14_b.jpg

only place in the world where men are fully clothed as well:lol:

only place in the world where men are fully clothed as well:lol:
same is applicable for most desi beaches

less litter than most other times. i knew, we could do it

This photo is a copyright of Mermaid Cafe, Cox's Bazar

Photos 121, 133 and 134 are copyright of Mermaid Cafe, Cox's Bazar

Photos 121, 133 and 134 are copyright of Mermaid Cafe, Cox's Bazar

I'm sure the moderators will take appropriate actions but you folks don't appear to be too bright. Other than free publicity what is it costing you? Moreover, coming from a country where people thumb there nose at the law, it is hilarious!

Photos 121, 133 and 134 are copyright of Mermaid Cafe, Cox's Bazar

All gone! I agree with you, free publicity in an international forum is a silly idea.

Thankx for the free publicity and we really appreciate being a topic in this forum its an honour. We just wanted to let everyone know that these are photos of Mermaid Cafe which have been used in different brochures of the company and is a copyright of the company. We are sorry if we have hurt anyone in the process of doing so.

wasnt the "Tibet Soap" TV commercial featuring Tinni (the 'shundoritoma' one) was shot at Mermaid's CAFE, Cox's Bazaar?? :P

Hey I see some constructions on those pics in the background. Anybody know what hotel that will be? I hope its a decent resort.

Thankx for the free publicity and we really appreciate being a topic in this forum its an honour. We just wanted to let everyone know that these are photos of Mermaid Cafe which have been used in different brochures of the company and is a copyright of the company. We are sorry if we have hurt anyone in the process of doing so.

Sorry for the misunderstanding, I thought you were asking us to remove the photos. We had an unpleasant experience with at least one photographer asking us to remove his photos. I cannot undelete the images, but you are very welcome to repost the pictures yourself if you like. Wish you good success with your restaurant.

Also "Mermaid Cafe, Cox's" you can post more Cox's Bazar and Mermaid Cafe pictures since I assume you are already there. That way you can promote both places.

wasnt the "Tibet Soap" TV commercial featuring Tinni (the 'shundoritoma' one) was shot at Mermaid's CAFE, Cox's Bazaar?? :P

Yes the TVC was shot in Mermaid Cafe, Cox's Bazar by Mostafa Sarawer Faroqui. It was about 2006 the first year of our cafe.

The famous Bangla natok '420' (also by Mostafa Sarawer Faroqui) also had a scene in Mermaid Cafe.

Sorry for the misunderstanding, I thought you were asking us to remove the photos. We had an unpleasant experience with at least one photographer asking us to remove his photos. I cannot undelete the images, but you are very welcome to repost the pictures yourself if you like. Wish you good success with your restaurant.

Thankx for your wishes. We hope to see you people in our cafe soon. Please tell me how to post pictures as I am new to this forum. I hope I can show you all a different Cox's Bazar.

Thankx for your wishes. We hope to see you people in our cafe soon. Please tell me how to post pictures as I am new to this forum. I hope I can show you all a different Cox's Bazar.



credit: FK
[QUOTE=FK;18978082]A screen shot guide on how to upload pictures for new comers on Skyscrapercity Forums

STEP 1

Sign up with a photo uploading website, we will be using www.photobucket.com:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2174/2327012091_ba4dc42441_o.jpg

STEP 2

Login to your account:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/2327012403_e2bdede5b5_o.jpg

STEP 3

After logging in, find the "Upload" option and proceed to click on "Browse" to browse for the pictures you want to upload:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/2327012229_19780db837_o.jpg

STEP 4

Select the photo you want to upload from your computer:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2124/2327829380_be81f0a3a4_o.jpg

STEP 5

After selecting the picture, click on "Upload":
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2327829904_63bb55283d_o.jpg

STEP 6

You will now see the "Upload Status":
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2327829512_dfdccc7fd8_o.jpg

STEP 7

And the picture has been uploaded!, now proceed to click on "IMG" Code and it will automatically copy the picture link, most photo uploading websites offer this feature, otherwise you can also click on the photo, then right-click, properties and then copy the URL:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2196/2327012789_76aede16ca_o.jpg

STEP 8

Head back to SSC and click on the "Insert Image" link which is represented by "http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/editor/insertimage.gif" and paste the link:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/2327012935_1aa53654de_o.jpg

whats mermaid cafe? is it a resort?

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1261156&id=515011601

^^ Hmm...the photo isn't showing up for some reason, MCC. Try uploading to photobucket, using the steps Amar outlined above. Good luck!

^^ Use Photobucket, other wise a link in that format from facebook won't work.

The link (as shown above) has to be bracketed on both sides by the IMG tags. The second one has a slash before the tag.

For example :

"imagelink (http colon slash slash blah blah blah dot com slash blah dot jpg)"

Sorry if this was already mentioned.

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab3/samihaalam/n515011601_1264600_6517.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab3/samihaalam/L1020994.jpg

Frangipani @ Mermaid Cafe

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab3/samihaalam/DSC_7789.jpg

Fuss ball @ mermaid Cafe

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab3/samihaalam/IMG_8464.jpg

Mermaid Cafe

^^ Nice pictures, keep it up.

whats mermaid cafe? is it a resort?

Haven't you been to Cox's Bazar recently dopey? Anyways Mermaid Cafe was originally a really nice restaurant, right by the beach. Very conveniently located within close proximity of the better hotels in the area. Very very good food. Fresh sea fish available. You can have it baked, fried or grilled. But now they seem to have opened another restaurant that serves steaks and different kinds of meat. From the look of things, they have also opened a resort.

Great to see the pics, MCC.

Great to see the pics, MCC.

Yeah -- I can smell the Rupchanda and cuttlefish fries from here. A nice little hammock and a tall cool one -- mmm hmmm!!

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab3/samihaalam/L1240905.jpg

In this 21st century when the world is talking about sustainable living and is planning innovative strategies to restore the nature back to its natural harmony some people are still hung up on their year old believes. The photo taken on July 7, 2009 shows how a local BNP leader Ferdouse Chairman with his people are cutting along the bank of the Rezu Khal (approx. 20 km south of Cox’s Bazar along Marine Drive). This lake is a salt water body which serves as the gateway to the bay of Bengal for the fishing boats around the Pechar Dwip village. The geographical location of the lake has made it to be declared as an Environmentally Critical Area (ECA) by a DoE and CWBMP report concerning the Teknaf Peninsula (http://www.doe-bd.org/cwbmp/cwbmp_pdf/papd_at_khurushkul.pdf ).
When the country is getting prepared to celebrate Cox’s Bazar as one of the natural wonders of the world unconcerned activities as such are only pushing to destroy that hope one step at a time. We want the country and everyone to realize and take the burden in their own hands and help save Rezu Khal and Cox’s Bazar.

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab3/samihaalam/L1240815.jpg

^^ What are they cutting the soil for? To use it in construction?

^^ What are they cutting the soil for? To use it in construction?

No they are cutting the soil to make fish projects. Actually they are digging holes on the ground so that when the tide comes in the holes are filled with water and when the tide goes away they take away the soil with the waves. This being the bank of the waterbody its very easy for the whole land to collapse for this amount of digging. Also there used to be parabons - these are coastal trees which are left to grow on the banks of the waterbody so that the soil is tightly bound together and there's no chance of erosion, the digging has also spoiled the trees so there is no more protection.

^^ That's awful! Can you send this picture to a newspaper in Bangladesh so that they publish the picture and let the environmentalist know about this?

^^ That's awful! Can you send this picture to a newspaper in Bangladesh so that they publish the picture and let the environmentalist know about this?

We have been trying to let as many people know possible. We want people to start talking about this matters in pubic so that this news is spread everywhere and then the consciousness will kick up. When everyone will start reacting and trying in their own possible way to stop this then only we can save this country.

We have been trying to let as many people know possible. We want people to start talking about this matters in pubic so that this news is spread everywhere and then the consciousness will kick up. When everyone will start reacting and trying in their own possible way to stop this then only we can save this country.

Keep it up, the media will eventually pick up the story. :cheers:

Tokyo Resort City,Saint Martin Island[By Pubali Group]

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/19/01/06/4490551_1474x674.jpg


Resort Facilities & Services

1. Panoramic lodging facilities with 62 suites.
2. 40 independent duplex five star standard resort cottages.
3. Plush greeneries and landscape to offer a heavenly retreat.
4. Thai massage & Spa facility.
5. Open greenery-view stage for cultural event.
6. Swimming pool and steam bath. # Fountain, Lake, Aquarium.
7. Jogging, Rowing, Horse riding, Badminton, Volleyball &
Squash courts.
8. Snooker facility & children's play area. # News corner, Library &
Shopping mall.
9. Express Laundry service.
10. Emergency medical services, prayer room & 24 hours
laundry services.
11. Advanced security system covering whole resort area.
12. One stop communication service with Cox's Bazar & others parts
of the country.
13. Postal service include delivery and dispatch.
14. Tourist & travel services with ticketing and booking facility for/
transport, hotels, entertainment and cultural events.
15. Standby generator for uninterrupted power supply.
16. Fire fighting system with smoke sensor in each suite and cottage,
corridoor, lobby including fire and general alarm system.

Leisure & Recreational Facilities
Main food court serving a variety of food ranging from Continental, Oriental, Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine.
BAR
Bar Facilities for the Guests & Cocktail Lounge with Coffee Shop serving Hot and Cold Menu and Fast Food.
BAR-B-Que[/SIZE]
Open Air Bar-B-Que restaurant to Serve the Guests.
Roof Top Restaurant
Food to be served as per Guest's choice.
Recreation
Gymnesiam, Health Club, Swimming Pool, Sauna.
[SIZE="2"]Hairdresser/Parlour
Barner Shop and Beauty Parlour with body, foot and oil massage services.
Business Center
Equipped with Phone, Fax, Internet & IT Facilities.
Conference Room
Equipped with Audio-visual equipments suitable to organise meeting
and seminars.
[SIZE="2"]Advanced security system
24 hours security guards. Full secured area with metal detector and closed circuit camara. 24 hours check-in.
Emergency Medical Service
Emergency Medical Service with first aid room, Dispensary etc.

^^ they didnt say anything about restaurants or cafes??

but anyway, impressive! never expected such in St. Martins anyway :P

Impressive project but please delete the link that was initially provided. That's not the right link. This one is,

http://tokyoresortcity.com/Advisor%20&%20Management.htm

And the website is still under construction (all links are not active).

^^ they didnt say anything about restaurants or cafes??

but anyway, impressive! never expected such in St. Martins anyway :P

They did actually...lol....I am editing my post

They did actually...lol....I am editing my post

Thanks Mirza -- you da man :)

IMHO -- they should try this 'Machar opor Chhoner Ghar' formula from Bora Bora (French Polynesia), it has worked in Krabi and Phuket in Thailand. The stilted bungalows in Phuket rent for US$450-$800 per night.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn110/manbil9/BOR_096_616x493.jpg

Copyright NYPOST blog (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://blogs.nypost.com/pgr/BOR_096_616x493.jpg&imgrefurl=http://blogs.nypost.com/travel/archives/2009/02/update_four_sea_1.html&usg=__hA1LT8avLr8q7dnpo9yUKJJbkoM=&h=493&w=616&sz=75&hl=en&start=39&um=1&tbnid=t1vGrSZKKGJ-3M:&tbnh=109&tbnw=136&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbora%2Bbora%2Bhouses%2Bstilt%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26start%3D20%26um%3D1)

Tokyo Resort City,Saint Martin Island[By Pubali Group]

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/19/01/06/4490551_1474x674.jpg


Resort Facilities & Services

1. Panoramic lodging facilities with 62 suites.
2. 40 independent duplex five star standard resort cottages.
3. Plush greeneries and landscape to offer a heavenly retreat.
4. Thai massage & Spa facility.
5. Open greenery-view stage for cultural event.
6. Swimming pool and steam bath. # Fountain, Lake, Aquarium.
7. Jogging, Rowing, Horse riding, Badminton, Volleyball &
Squash courts.
8. Snooker facility & children's play area. # News corner, Library &
Shopping mall.
9. Express Laundry service.
10. Emergency medical services, prayer room & 24 hours
laundry services.
11. Advanced security system covering whole resort area.
12. One stop communication service with Cox's Bazar & others parts
of the country.
13. Postal service include delivery and dispatch.
14. Tourist & travel services with ticketing and booking facility for/
transport, hotels, entertainment and cultural events.
15. Standby generator for uninterrupted power supply.
16. Fire fighting system with smoke sensor in each suite and cottage,
corridoor, lobby including fire and general alarm system.

Leisure & Recreational Facilities
Main food court serving a variety of food ranging from Continental, Oriental, Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine.
BAR
Bar Facilities for the Guests & Cocktail Lounge with Coffee Shop serving Hot and Cold Menu and Fast Food.
BAR-B-Que[/SIZE]
Open Air Bar-B-Que restaurant to Serve the Guests.
Roof Top Restaurant
Food to be served as per Guest's choice.
Recreation
Gymnesiam, Health Club, Swimming Pool, Sauna.
[SIZE="2"]Hairdresser/Parlour
Barner Shop and Beauty Parlour with body, foot and oil massage services.
Business Center
Equipped with Phone, Fax, Internet & IT Facilities.
Conference Room
Equipped with Audio-visual equipments suitable to organise meeting
and seminars.
[SIZE="2"]Advanced security system
24 hours security guards. Full secured area with metal detector and closed circuit camara. 24 hours check-in.
Emergency Medical Service
Emergency Medical Service with first aid room, Dispensary etc.

A Mighty fine project. Thanks Mirza. :cheers2:

^^
Is this "Tokyo Resort" actually in existence or still in planning/construction phase?

^^
Is this "Tokyo Resort" actually in existence or still in planning/construction phase?

I would guess that its now in construction phase

Thanks Mirza -- you da man :)

IMHO -- they should try this 'Machar opor Chhoner Ghar' formula from Bora Bora (French Polynesia), it has worked in Krabi and Phuket in Thailand. The stilted bungalows in Phuket rent for US$450-$800 per night.


Thats a great idea actually..cant wait for the day when we will have resorts like this in Coxsbazar

lots people just walking along the beach and i hardly see anyone swimming? are you wearing full clothes when swimming?? explaination plz?

Wow...So attractive place.I hope i could have a chance to travel at that beautiful spot someday.

Coxsbazar is going to have a great skyline within the next 3-4 yearsApart from the numerous projects that we are unable to cover,here are some that will be built very close to one another and will all be facing the beach-creating the first ever beach front skyline in Bangladesh.All of them(except one) will be built in Kolatoli Hotel Motel Zone.


Some Coxs Bazar projects

14 storied Cox Titanic,Kolatoli,Coxsbazar[Architecture inspired by "THE TITANIC"]

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/TheTitanicCoxsbazar.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Copyoftitanic1.gif

Crown Pacific,Kolatoli,Coxsbazar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Crown_Pacificjpg6717.jpg

14 storied Heaven Bay,Kolatoli,Coxsbazar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Heaven_bay.jpg

Comfort Sea Star,near Kolatoli,Coxsbazar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/56Part-4.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/21Perspective-view.jpg

Green Beach Resort,Kolatoli,Coxsbazar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/green.jpg

The Sea Princess,Kolatoli,Coxsbazar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/TheSeaPrincess.jpg

20 storied Dynamic Cox Kingdom at Kolatoli and 11 storied Dynamic Cox Pearl at Kolatoli,Coxsbazar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01575.jpg

16 storied Rafa World Beach Resort,Kolatoli,Coxsbazar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01661.jpg

Coxsbazar is going to have a great skyline within the next 3-4 yearsApart from the numerous projects that we are unable to cover,here are some that will be built very close to one another and will all be facing the beach-creating the first ever beach front skyline in Bangladesh.All of them(except one) will be built in Kolatoli Hotel Motel Zone.

Thanks Mirza. My personal preference when visiting a beach is somewhere uncrowded / unspoilt, with architecture that blends into the surroundings...but nice that CB progressing. I just wish / hope that some stretches our southeast coast are set aside as natural areas without development except as national parks...though that's certainly not on the policy radar now. I would do the same with all that military area in Bandarban, were it up to me.

14 storied Cox Titanic,Kolatoli,Coxsbazar[Architecture inspired by "THE TITANIC"

Good thing no icebergs in Bongoposhagor.

^^
Call me superstitious, but I don't think it is wise to name anything Titanic. :)

^^
Call me superstitious, but I don't think it is wise to name anything Titanic. :)

:lol:

Love the Green Beach Resort.

I am very happy to see so many developments happening in Cox's Bazar! Thanks for posting the pics Mirza!

Where exactly is Kolatoli?

Where exactly is Kolatoli?

Kolatoli is where about 90 percent of all Hotels and Motels in Coxsbazar exist at present.This list includes "Sea Gull,Long Beach,Prasaad Paraside,Sea Palace" and many more.Most of the famous shops and restaurants,along with all the bus counters of different companies,are all there in Kolatoli.

holy!!! these are some beautiful projects coming up in Coxs Bazaar :) lets just hope some of these hotels dont become prostitute shelters lol.

Sea Gull is just a few hundred feet north of Himchhori beach, right? That is one beach I would hope, is spared from unsympathetic development. Not that I hold out much hope in that regard...

I think these buildings will add some nice density to CB Oceanfront but individually I can't say I really like any of them architecturally. They would work as offices or residential structures but just seem too uninviting to me as beach hotels in a subtropical setting. Who knows though I could be wrong and they could turn out just fine in real life.

Sea Gull is just a few hundred feet north of Himchhori beach, right? That is one beach I would hope, is spared from unsympathetic development. Not that I hold out much hope in that regard...

I think these buildings will add some nice density to CB Oceanfront but individually I can't say I really like any of them architecturally. They would work as offices or residential structures but just seem too uninviting to me as beach hotels in a subtropical setting. Who knows though I could be wrong and they could turn out just fine in real life.
I agree. It does not create the proper atmosphere/ambiance. The developers ought to look around all the tropical/sub-tropical beach resorts and take cues from those. The structures should be in harmony with its surroundings.

I agree. It does not create the proper atmosphere/ambiance. The developers ought to look around all the tropical/sub-tropical beach resorts and take cues from those. The structures should be in harmony with its surroundings.

The developers behind these projects are looking to sell them as hotel apartments rather than just run them like normal hotels and recover their investments slowly--thus explaining the commercial type of glassy and modern look which appeal more to the "Dhaka based buyers" they are targeting.
I have always wanted a "goldcoast,aus" or a "recife,brazil" of our own,so I dont mind these projects,I love them.
With the longest unbroken beach in the world,I dont think we will run out of natural beach fronts anytime soon..and if we do,then Coxbazar skyline will have to beat that of Hong Kong...over 150km of high rises:nuts:

The developers behind these projects are looking to sell them as hotel apartments rather than just run them like normal hotels and recover their investments slowly--thus explaining the commercial type of glassy and modern look which appeal more to the "Dhaka based buyers" they are targeting.
I have always wanted a "goldcoast,aus" or a "recife,brazil" of our own,so I dont mind these projects,I love them.
With the longest unbroken beach in the world,I dont think we will run out of natural beach fronts anytime soon..and if we do,then Coxbazar skyline will have to beat that of Hong Kong...over 150km of high rises:nuts:

Add InshaAllah to lines such as these :)

The developers behind these projects are looking to sell them as hotel apartments rather than just run them like normal hotels and recover their investments slowly--thus explaining the commercial type of glassy and modern look which appeal more to the "Dhaka based buyers" they are targeting.
I have always wanted a "goldcoast,aus" or a "recife,brazil" of our own,so I dont mind these projects,I love them.
With the longest unbroken beach in the world,I dont think we will run out of natural beach fronts anytime soon..and if we do,then Coxbazar skyline will have to beat that of Hong Kong...over 150km of high rises:nuts:

That is a short term gain that will prevent the long term hope of turning Cox's Bazar into a globally recognized tourist beach resort.

^^ I think what we need is a comprehensive master plan.

Some areas like immediate vicinity of CB could be alocated to the type of commercial development as seen in the previous page.

Some areas should be set aside as national parks with limited development.

Some areas can be set aside for eco-tourism or for upscale or other resorts that blend into the surroundings.

For me, other than St. Martin's, Himchhori is the nicest beach I know of in BD, and is located very close to Sea Gull and other hotels. I would hope for one of the latter two approaches around this beach. Otherwise we will have a concrete jungle, trash, and crowding in no time. It might already be a little late for St. Martins...I wonder how many hotels they can fit into that small space. I would have preferred hotels based in Teknaf with daytrips to the island, plus a few true ecoresorts and camps on the island itself.

^^ I think what we need is a comprehensive master plan.

Some areas like immediate vicinity of CB could be alocated to the type of commercial development as seen in the previous page.

Some areas should be set aside as national parks with limited development.

Some areas can be set aside for eco-tourism or for upscale or other resorts that blend into the surroundings.



Thats actually a great idea....Himchori is I think more than 10 km away from Kolatoli..and the development in Coxsbazar now is very much concentrated there.However,in the future,when the need arises,I hope the GOB will start enforcing such area based plans for development.

Thats actually a great idea....However,in the future,when the need arises,I hope the GOB will start enforcing such area based plans for development.
No, not in the future or as need arises, they (whoever that "they" are, since GoB is grossly incompetent and run by bunch of idiots) need to develop a master plan, NOW. I agree with Tan's concept. Most of the recent resort development in Mexico appears to be along those lines.

Thats actually a great idea....Himchori is I think more than 10 km away from Kolatoli..and the development in Coxsbazar now is very much concentrated there.However,in the future,when the need arises,I hope the GOB will start enforcing such area based plans for developmen.

Himchori is abt 25 mins by baby taxi from the Sea-gull area. The view of it when you get on top of that hill which has stairs is amazing

^^ I guess I was mistaken about its location then. I had thought the picture below, with Hotel Sea Gull in the distance, was of Himchhori Beach, and was basing my statement on that. Does anyone know if the beach below has a name?...it appears quite picturesque in its own right, and thus far looks unspoilt.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/coxsbazarmarinadrive8.jpg

^^ I think what we need is a comprehensive master plan.

Some areas like immediate vicinity of CB could be alocated to the type of commercial development as seen in the previous page.

Some areas should be set aside as national parks with limited development.

Some areas can be set aside for eco-tourism or for upscale or other resorts that blend into the surroundings.

For me, other than St. Martin's, Himchhori is the nicest beach I know of in BD, and is located very close to Sea Gull and other hotels. I would hope for one of the latter two approaches around this beach. Otherwise we will have a concrete jungle, trash, and crowding in no time. It might already be a little late for St. Martins...I wonder how many hotels they can fit into that small space. I would have preferred hotels based in Teknaf with daytrips to the island, plus a few true ecoresorts and camps on the island itself.

What can I say...it seems like Tanzirian's influence and power stretches far beyond the borders of the nation from where he operates:lol:

No new commercial structure
in St Martins Island: HC
Staff Correspondent

The High Court on Sunday ordered that construction of any unauthorised or new commercial buildings should be immediately stopped in the ecologically critical area of St Martins Island.
The High Court bench of Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain and Justice Quamrul Islam Siddiqui also issued a rule asking the government to explain why it would not be directed to act in accordance with the laws in regulating commercial tourism and in demolishing all unauthorised structures of commercial houses on the island.
The court passed the orders after hearing a writ petition field by the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers’ Association
seeking directions on the government to regulate commercial tourism and to prevent indiscriminate and unauthorised construction of hotels, motels and restaurants in the ecologically critical area of St Martins Island.
Anwarul Azim Khair Manna and M Iqbal Kabir moved the petition.

Source:http://www.newagebd.com/2009/oct/19/front.html#4

What can I say...it seems like Tanzirian's influence and power stretches far beyond the borders of the nation from where he operates:lol:

:)...if only that were the case!

But - heartening news, Mirza. I am glad we are not just a lone voice in the wilderness.

BTW, do you know the answer to my question in post 230?

What can I say...it seems like Tanzirian's influence and power stretches far beyond the borders of the nation from where he operates:lol:

No new commercial structure
in St Martins Island: HC
Staff Correspondent

The High Court on Sunday ordered that construction of any unauthorised or new commercial buildings should be immediately stopped in the ecologically critical area of St Martins Island.
The High Court bench of Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain and Justice Quamrul Islam Siddiqui also issued a rule asking the government to explain why it would not be directed to act in accordance with the laws in regulating commercial tourism and in demolishing all unauthorised structures of commercial houses on the island.
The court passed the orders after hearing a writ petition field by the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers’ Association
seeking directions on the government to regulate commercial tourism and to prevent indiscriminate and unauthorised construction of hotels, motels and restaurants in the ecologically critical area of St Martins Island.
Anwarul Azim Khair Manna and M Iqbal Kabir moved the petition.

Source:http://www.newagebd.com/2009/oct/19/front.html#4

I doubt whether high courts verdicts really affect (effect) the people who salivate at the goose that lays the golden eggs.

I doubt whether high courts verdicts really affect (effect) the people who salivate at the goose that lays the golden eggs.
true true, when ever the court favors the powerful the decision is implemented asap otherwise it just sits on paper


looks like a lot deshi companies are building a lot of five star hotels in the region, which is a good sign but unless getting to cxb isnt made easy i wonder how much fruit will these bear!

BTW, do you know the answer to my question in post 230?

I think that is Himchori and the photo was taken from the top the mountain which has stairs going up to it. It takes a good 20-25 minutes to travel from sea-gull to there by Baby Taxi. :P

BTW, do you know the answer to my question in post 230?

:ohno:

Tokyo Resort City,Saint Martin Island[By Pubali Group]

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/19/01/06/4490551_1474x674.jpg




mizazeehan, the above image is that of Kumarakom Lake resort, Kerala, India .. Its one of the most famous back-water resorts in India

http://www.mstravels.com/images/resorts/kumarakom-lake-resort1.jpg

Here is the official web-site of the resort

http://www.thepaul.in/home2.html

mizazeehan, the above image is that of Kumarakom Lake resort, Kerala, India .. Its one of the most famous back-water resorts in India


I keep hearing about Kerala backwaters all the time. Why is it exactly called backwater?

I keep hearing about Kerala backwaters all the time. Why is it exactly called backwater?

King Nothing, these are inland lakes (connected to the sea) and a network of canals connecting them. A number of rivers flow into them. Not sure if this is the classic definition of backwaters, but Kerala backwaters are quite beautiful with abundant natural views. Organized tourism is gaining greater footprint there with each passing year, fuelling local economic activities in that region. This also ensures the local communities actually support tourism and related activities.

mizazeehan, the above image is that of Kumarakom Lake resort, Kerala, India .. Its one of the most famous back-water resorts in India

http://www.mstravels.com/images/resorts/kumarakom-lake-resort1.jpg

Here is the official web-site of the resort

http://www.thepaul.in/home2.html

Seems like another project that is copied directly. Wonder why they don't bother to it a bit.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/coxsbazarmarinadrive8.jpg

I think that is Himchori and the photo was taken from the top the mountain which has stairs going up to it. It takes a good 20-25 minutes to travel from sea-gull to there by Baby Taxi. :P

Yes, I double checked, and that image is Himchhori Beach.

Regardless of how long it may take by Baby Taxi, as you can see from the picture - as the crow flies - there is barely 1 mi separating the beach from Seagull Hotel. Hence my concern for all the nearby development. How about some time in the near future - when roads are better and more people have cars? I bet it would be possible to get from Sea Gull to Himchhori in less than ten minutes.

Yes, I double checked, and that image is Himchhori Beach.

Regardless of how long it may take by Baby Taxi, as you can see from the picture - as the crow flies - there is barely 1 mi separating the beach from Seagull Hotel. Hence my concern for all the nearby development. How about some time in the near future - when roads are better and more people have cars? I bet it would be possible to get from Sea Gull to Himchhori in less than ten minutes.

The road is already very good built by the army. the tracks are well marked and all.. it's called the marine drive if i'm not mistaken.

Green belt planned to protect sea beach
100km stretch in Cox's Bazar brought under project
A Correspondent, Cox's Bazar

Cox's Bazar district administration has taken a three-year project to prevent erosion of Cox's Bazar sea beach under the impact of climate change and tidal surge.

Under the Tk 2.5 crore project styled “100 kilometre green belt project along Cox's Bazar sea beach" a huge number of coconut trees would be planted in four rows on the beach.

Cox's Bazar sadar, Ramu, Ukhia and Teknaf sea beaches have been brought under the project.

If implemented, it will help save the sea beach from erosion and also play an important role in economic and social development of local people.

Sources said the officials of the district administration recently prepared the project proposal after visiting the spot and sent it to the Deputy Commissioner Gias Uddin Ahmed and the secretary of environment and forest ministry on October 19 for approval.

The deputy commissioner said the world's longest sea beach has some gardens of Jhau (Tamarisk) trees planted by the forest department and directorate of environment.

Jhau trees have very small economic value and the tourists also have difficulties to enjoy the sea view from their hotels, he added.

Instead of Jhau trees, if environment-friendly trees like coconut, date and palm can be planted with the participation of local people on the 100 kilometre stretch of the sea beach from Cox's Bazar to Teknaf it would prevent erosion, he hoped.

Sources said the work of the under-construction 84-kilometre marine drive from Cox's Bazar to Teknaf would be completed by the year 2012.

Executive Director of environmentalist group "Green Cox's Bazar" Fazlul Quader Chowdhury said though tidal surges destroy Jhau trees on the beach the coconut trees can survive the onslaught.

He said at least 30,000 people in Kutubdia saved their lives clinging to the coconut trees when a devastating cyclone hit the area on April 29, 1991.

Source:http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=112072

Twelve-story tower will be added to Seagull Hotel
A Monitor Report


Cox's Bazar : A twelve-story tower with 100 rooms will be added to the Seagull Hotel, the five-star deluxe hotel, keeping the ecology and environment of the area intact.

Ahsan Ishaque, General Manager, Seagull Hotel, who took up his new assignment at the hotel as General Manager on October 20 said while talking to The Bangladesh Monitor.

The hotel now has 181 rooms - 120 regular rooms, 40 deluxe rooms, 20 suites and one Presidential Suite.

"The hotel is already a favourite of the corporate crowd - an ideal place for their retreat, conferences or workshops. I'll try to go for a new level of partnership with them," he said referring to the corporate houses.

"The hotel is receiving plenty of guests. There is no off season (for this hotel). A large number of domestic tourists stay at the hotel as do foreigners working in different places of the country. We do have some repeat guests," he added.

The hotel will be further upgraded "as we feel the necessity of change. We feel the rooms and the standards of service need to be improved. We have to be Number 1. We need to be above the rest," he said.

"The property is great and we have a dedicated team. If proper guidance can be given to them, I feel they'll do a great job," he said.

The hotel has a reservation office in Dhaka, which will be expanded by adding sales and marketing personnel. He will also strengthen marketing activities in Chittagong and other divisional headquarters. Earlier we had concentrated only in Dhaka, he admitted.

The hotel offers airport transfers but it is not so much promoted, he said.
The hotel has five themed restaurants serving Con-tinental, Thai, Chinese, Indian food as well as a multi-cuisine Coffee Shop. There will be an emphasis on local food, presenting dishes of different districts. There will be food promotions every month.

We have a good swimming pool with a great 'sunken bar.' I'll try to promote it. It can be done with soft drinks and juices. We have a good baker too.

The Health Club gym is one of the best in the country and we have good instructors. The hotel will be offering yoga, meditation and karate courses to in-house guests, who wish to learn them, at the hotel?s private beach.

Besides promoting existing packages, the hotel will be promoting corporate packages as well packages for the airline crew.

Ahsan Ishaque, is no stranger to the hospitality sector. He started his career with a five star hotel- Dhaka Sheraton Hotel rising from Reservation Officer to Assistant Director of Sales - and went on to serve Le Meridien Katmandu and The Westin Dhaka before taking up his present assignment. Married, he has a son aged four and a half years.

Source:http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=951&CID=7

Yet another hotel project in Coxsbazar-With Dozens more projects like this one,this city is definitely becoming another boom town of Bangladesh:cheers:

Sea Hilton,Coxsbazar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC00007-1.jpg

^^ Nice building, but how long will some hotels in our country get away with name "borrowing" (ie, Hilton)? Thanks for the infos, Mirza.

The Cox Today,Kolatoli Hotel Motel Zone


http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/coxtoday.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/1.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/2-1.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/3.jpg

^^ decent design, anyone have any info on this project.

^^ decent design, anyone have any info on this project.

All I know is that its a project by Air Bell Technologies Ltd and they have started work on this a few years ago.Work has progressed very well and the site is quite close to Sea Gull Hotel as well as the beach

International Hotel chains may finally be coming to Coxsbazar:cheers:


La Vinci in talks with Marriott to build hotel
Sayeda Akter

La Vinci Hotel, a Bangladesh-Italy joint venture, plans to build a 270-room five-star hotel on Inani beach in Cox's Bazar soon.

The hotel will invest more than Tk 300 crore initially in construction, which is likely to begin by the end of July, a La Vinci official said.

Marriott Hotels and Resorts, a US-based hotel chain, is expected to partner the venture as management operator.

Tapash Ghosh, marketing and operation manager of La Vinci, said a meeting between officials of La Vinci and Marriott was held in Dhaka on Thursday.

“We will start construction once we reach an agreement with an international hotel chain to manage the hotel. We are in talks with Marriott. Any deal will take a little more time to get through," he said.

"The new hotel is likely to start operations by 2011," Ghosh said.

Kiran Andicot, director of Marriott (Indian subcontinent), represented his company in the meeting with La Vinci officials.

La Vinci, a three-star hotel, is managed by US-based Best Western, the largest hotel company operating under a single brand name with 4,000 independently owned and operated hotels in 80 countries across the world.

Marriott Hotels and Resorts is Marriott International's flagship brand. The company, based in Washington DC, has operations in nearly 500 hotels and resorts across the world.

Source:http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=135788