Teknaf (টেকনাফ): travel guide

Southernmost town of mainland Bangladesh on the Naf River, facing Myanmar, with tidal mangroves. Saint Martin's ships used to leave from here, but for the 2026-27 season they sail only from Cox's Bazar and the Teknaf route is suspended.

Teknaf is in Cox's Bazar district, Chattogram division, Bangladesh. Compare bus, train and air fares to Teknaf and see the route on a map.

Things to do in Teknaf

  • Neila Naf River Viewpoint (হ্নীলা, নাফ নদী): Roadside stop on the Naf river highway with views over the river and its islands. Viewpoint, free entry
  • Shah Porir Dwip (শাহপরীর দ্বীপ): Fishing island at the mouth of the Naf river at the southern tip of the Teknaf peninsula, with beaches, salt fields and a jetty looking across to Myanmar. Island, free entry, best time: November to March
  • Teknaf Sea Beach (টেকনাফ সমুদ্র সৈকত): Large quiet beach about 5 km west of the town centre, popular with locals at sunset. Beach, free entry, best time: Sunset, Nov-Mar
  • Maathin's Koop (মাথিনের কূপ): Well inside the Teknaf police station compound, tied to the story of Mathin, a Rakhine chief's daughter, and police officer Dhiraj Bhattacharya; renovated in 2006. Historical, free entry
  • Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary: 11,615 ha hill forest on the Teknaf peninsula, set up as a game reserve in 1983; one of the few places in Bangladesh with wild Asian elephants, and home to Kudum Cave and Toinga peak. Nature, free entry, best time: Dry winter
  • Toinga Peak (Taingya Chura) (তৈঙ্গা চূড়া): Popular hill peak of about 1,000 ft in the Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary, with views over the forest, the Naf river and the Bay of Bengal. Viewpoint, free entry, best time: November to February
  • Shamlapur Beach (শামলাপুর সৈকত): Quiet stretch of the Teknaf beach at Baharchhara, where rows of colourful fishing boats line the shore and seine-net fishing is seen on winter mornings. Beach, free entry, best time: November to March, early morning
  • Kudum Cave (কুদুম গুহা): Sand-mud cave in the Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary, known as the bat cave, with bats, snails, spiders and fish in its pools. Cave, free entry, best time: Dry season, November to March
  • Shilkhali Garjan Forest (শীলখালী গর্জন বাগান): Old garjan forest at Shilkhali in Baharchhara union where giant garjan trees line the Marine Drive below the Teknaf hills. Nature, free entry, best time: November to March

Where to stay in Teknaf

  • Central Resort Ltd (Resort), about Check with hotel for current rates. Private resort listed on the Teknaf upazila portal.
  • Hotel Hilltop (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Simple budget hotel set back from the main street near the bus stand
  • Parjatan Hotel Ne-Taung (MidRange), about ৳2,000 - ৳4,500/night. Government Parjatan hotel with restaurant; non-AC, AC and suite rooms
  • Hotel Dip Plaza (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Larger budget hotel in the town centre near the bus stand
  • Hotel New Garden (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Private hotel listed on the Teknaf upazila portal
  • Alo Resort (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Private resort listed on the Teknaf upazila portal.
  • Milky Resort (MidRange), about Check with hotel for current rates. 3-star hotel near Teknaf bus station with free Wi-Fi and 24-hour front desk

Travel advice for Teknaf

  • Carry a torch: Electricity can be unreliable in Teknaf town, so bring a flashlight. Return to Cox's Bazar before sunset if day-tripping.
  • Saint Martin's boats run Nov-Mar: Ships and boats to Saint Martin's leave from the Teknaf jetty (about 5 km north of town), generally from November to March or early April. Services have been suspended before, so check status.
  • Cox's Bazar to Teknaf by bus: Buses from Cox's Bazar cost about Tk 70-120 and take roughly 1.5-3 hours; they are crowded but the Naf river road is scenic.
  • Rice and fish meals by the bus stand: Simple Bangladeshi rice, fish and curry meals at the restaurants on the road behind the Teknaf bus stand, including Roof Top Café & Restaurant in Abu Siddik Market.
  • Burmese pickles and dry fish: Teknaf, on the Myanmar border, is known for Burmese pickles, dry fish and green coconuts sold to visitors alongside fresh local fish dishes.
  • Ayensi, Teknaf seasonal bean snack: A strong-smelling bean from Myanmar, sold by roadside vendors in Teknaf during the wet season (June to October). It is boiled, then fried with spices or cooked as a curry, with a mild taste.

More places to explore in Bangladesh

JatraSathi is a free Bangladesh trip planner in English and Bangla. Prices are estimates; check before you travel.