COX'S BAZAR

This historic resort town boasts one of the longest sea beaches in the world and is one of the more popular tourist destinations in the region. It's still easy to find long uncrowded stretches and recreation spots. Up from the surf, there is much to do and see in this colorful tribal market town. Maheskhali and Sonadia islands are both just a short county or speedboat ride away. Saint Martin's island (southernmost point of the country, is reached via a scenic two hour drive south to Teknaf (a border town with Burma) and then a breezy 14 km launch journey. Its a small, sparsely populated coral reef island with a single hotel and plenty of vacant beaches and coconut trees.

ACTIVITIES are offshore cruises, swimming, sunbathing, seashell & handicraft hunting, beach-combing, sightseeing and photography or helping with sea turtle conservation, green coconut drinking, pony-back riding, and a host of other varied pastimes.

HIGHLIGHTS include the beaches, coral or alluvial islands, fishing villages, indigenous tribal cultures, conservation projects, traditional sea-salt extraction, fish and prawn hatcheries, optional live-in guest facilities, Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic shrines and architecture, a still pristine ecological environment and plenty of chances to observe the profuse local flora and fauna.