Marayon Thong (Bengali: মারায়ন তং) is a hill in the Mirinja Range of Alikadam Upazila in Bandarban, Bangladesh. It stands about 1,640 feet high, with a Buddhist shrine and a large statue of Buddha at the summit. The hill goes by several other names too, including Marayan Tong, Marayang Tong, Merai Thong Jadi, and Maraing Dong.

Most travelers come here to camp on the flat summit and watch clouds drift across the hills at sunrise. From the top you can see rows of hills running to the horizon, the Matamuhuri River winding through the valley, and patches of crop fields below. Indigenous communities, including Tripura, Marma, and Mro (Murong) families, live across the hill and in the paras tucked into its folds.

How do you get to Marayon Thong?

You reach Marayon Thong from Alikadam town, and there are two common ways to get to Alikadam from elsewhere in the country.

For the direct route:

1. Take a Dhaka-to-Alikadam bus. These run directly to the area.
2. Get off at a stop called Abasik, before the Alikadam bus stand.
3. Ask anyone nearby for the trail to Marayon Thong. There is one main path, and locals will point you to it.
4. Walk up to the summit. The climb takes about two hours, though some people need a little longer.

If you are coming through Cox’s Bazar instead:

1. Board any Cox’s Bazar-bound bus and get down at Chakaria bus station.
2. From Chakaria, take a local bus or jeep to Alikadam. The local fare is around 70 to 80 BDT.
3. If you prefer, reserve a jeep for roughly 1,000 to 1,200 BDT. One jeep seats about 10 to 12 people.

Fares change over time, so treat these as rough figures and confirm the current rate before you pay.

Access note (2026): Marayon Thong sits in Alikadam, one of the Bandarban upazilas. As of 2025, the local administration had lifted travel restrictions across all Bandarban upazilas, including Alikadam, and tourists could visit freely. The security situation in these hills has changed more than once, though. So check the latest rules with the local administration before you travel, and if you plan to stay overnight, speak with them first and follow their advice. Foreign visitors may also need prior permission and should check their own government’s travel advisory.

Know more: Munlai Para Travel Guide

What is the climb to the top like?

The walk to the summit takes about two hours on the way up and roughly one hour coming back down. There is a single main trail, so the route is easy to follow once you start. The climb is steady rather than technical, but it does ask for decent stamina. Carry enough water, and pace yourself so you can climb uphill without burning out too fast. If you have a heart condition or any breathing trouble, it is wiser to skip this trip.

Where can you stay on Marayon Thong?

Most visitors camp on the summit, since the flat top is well suited for pitching tents. You can bring your own gear or use the camping setups available on the hill, so you are covered even without a full kit of your own. If you are new to camping, plan your food, sleeping setup, and basics ahead of time. A few jhum ghor cottages have also come up on the hill recently. These offer a package of about 1,000 to 2,000 BDT per person (roughly 8 to 16 US dollars, and subject to change), which usually covers both a place to sleep and meals. Travelers who would rather have a regular room can also stay in Alikadam or Chakaria town and climb during the day.

What can you see and do at Marayon Thong?

The main draw is the open summit, the Buddhist shrine, and the wide view over the hills. A large Buddha statue stands at the top beside the shrine, and the spot stays calm and quiet. If Buddhist sites interest you, the Golden Temple in Bandarban town is another well-known one in the district.

Cloud watching is the reason many people make the climb. In the right season, low clouds settle over the hills below the summit, and sunrise from the top is the highlight of the trip for most campers. For more spots like this, you can also watch clouds and sunset at Nilachal near Bandarban town. Beyond the views, the indigenous paras on the hill give you a close look at hill life, where families farm the slopes and grow fruit, grain, and other crops.

What is the best time to visit Marayon Thong?

The best time depends on what you want from the trip. For clouds, the rainy and early post-monsoon months tend to bring the most cover over the hills. Winter months, from around November to February, suit comfortable trekking with cooler, drier air. Summers get hot during the day, so an early start helps. Whenever you go, remember that even on a warm day the hilltop turns cold at night, which is why a light blanket matters when you camp.

What else can you see near Marayon Thong?

Alikadam packs in several other spots worth adding to your plan. Nearby, you can visit the Matamuhuri River, Dim Pahar (Egg Hill), Maya Lake, and Toain Khal. The Mirinja Valley sits in the same range and makes an easy add-on, while Sukhiya Valley over in Lama is another option if you have time. From Alikadam, the road toward Thanchi climbs over Dim Pahar, one of the highest motorable roads in the country. Plan which places you want to see in advance, then set your route around them.

Travel tips for Marayon Thong

A little preparation makes this trip far smoother. Keep these points in mind before you go:

• Carry water, oral saline, glucose, dry food, a first aid box, and any medicines you need.
• For camping, pack a tent, sleeping bag, and a light blanket, plus cooking gear if you want to cook.
• Talk to the local administration if you plan to stay overnight, and follow their guidance.
• Hire a local guide if you need one, especially for your first visit.
• Note the descent is shorter, at about an hour, even if the climb felt long.
• Get the phone number of the para headman, and share yours, so you can reach each other if needed.
• Never photograph indigenous people without their permission.
• Treat the indigenous communities with respect and cause no harm.
• Carry your trash back down. Do not leave chip or biscuit packets on the hill.
• Skip the trip if you have heart problems or breathing difficulty.

FAQs about Marayon Thong

How high is Marayon Thong?

Marayon Thong is about 1,640 feet high. The Buddhist shrine and Buddha statue sit at the very top.

How long does it take to climb Marayon Thong?

The climb takes about two hours up and roughly one hour down. Some people take a bit longer on the way up.

Is Marayon Thong open to tourists now?

Yes, as of 2025 Alikadam and the rest of Bandarban were open to tourists with no travel ban in place. Still, confirm the current situation with the local administration before you go, since rules here have shifted before.

Do you need a guide for Marayon Thong?

You do not strictly need one, but a local guide helps, especially on a first trip. Guides are easy to arrange near the trailhead.

What is Marayon Thong famous for?

Marayon Thong is known for its cloud views, the open summit, and the Buddhist shrine with a large Buddha statue at the top.

Final thoughts

Marayon Thong rewards a simple plan and a bit of fitness. Get to Alikadam, find the trail from Abasik, and give yourself about two hours to reach the summit. Camp on the flat top or take a cottage package, carry your own water and first aid, and treat the hill and its communities with care. Time your trip for clouds or for cooler winter weather, confirm the latest access rules before you set out, and you will have a calm, memorable trip in the Bandarban hills.