📍Chattogram Division

Hatiya Island

The isolated coastal beauty of Noakhali

IslandRemoteNature

📍 Region

Chattogram Division

📅 Best time to visit

Winter (November to February) is the only recommended time.

⏱️ Ideal length of stay

2 to 3 days (Including transit and Nijhum Dwip)

Overview

Located in the Noakhali district, right where the massive Meghna River empties into the Bay of Bengal, Hatiya is a large, remote, and fascinating island. Constantly shaped and reshaped by river erosion and land accretion, the island is a testament to the dynamic geography of the Bangladesh delta.

Unlike the highly commercialized St. Martin's Island, Hatiya offers a raw, authentic glimpse into coastal Bangladeshi life. The island is characterized by endless green paddy fields, quiet villages shaded by coconut and betel nut trees, and massive muddy shores lined with colorful fishing boats. The journey to Hatiya is an adventure in itself, involving a long, scenic ride on a massive multi-deck ferry (launch) or sea-truck from the mainland.

While the island has its own quiet charm, Hatiya is most famous among tourists as the essential transit point to reach Nijhum Dwip (Silent Island), a stunning national park located just off its southern coast. For travelers seeking isolation, fresh seafood, and an unhurried pace of life, Hatiya is a rewarding off-the-beaten-path destination.

History & Culture

Hatiya has a turbulent history of devastating cyclones and river erosion, which has forced the entire island community to migrate and rebuild several times over the past century.

Despite its isolation, it has a rich cultural heritage, heavily reliant on deep-sea fishing and agriculture.

Top things to do in Hatiya Island

Enjoy the River Cruise

The overnight launch journey from Dhaka to Hatiya is one of the most scenic and relaxing river cruises in the country.

Explore the Villages

Rent a motorcycle to ride through the quiet, shaded roads of the island, observing the traditional fishing and farming communities.

Visit Nijhum Dwip

Travel to the southern tip of Hatiya (Moktaria Ghat) to cross over to Nijhum Dwip to see the massive herds of wild deer.

Hatiya Island in pictures

Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective Creative Commons licences. Click a photo credit for the source and full licence terms.

Highlights

✓Thrilling, scenic launch (river ferry) journey from Dhaka or Noakhali
✓Authentic, untouched rural coastal lifestyle
✓Endless green fields and quiet, tree-lined village roads
✓The gateway to the famous Nijhum Dwip National Park
✓Extremely fresh and affordable sea and river fish

How to get to Hatiya Island

By Launch (Ferry) from Dhaka

The most comfortable way is taking the daily overnight launch from Sadarghat in Dhaka directly to Hatiya (Tamuruddin Ghat). The journey takes about 12-14 hours.

By Road and Sea-Truck

Drive to Chairman Ghat in Noakhali, then take a 2-hour sea-truck or trawler crossing the rough Meghna river to reach the island.

Best time to visit Hatiya Island

Winter (November to February): The river and sea are calm, making the boat journey safe. The weather on the island is cool and pleasant.

Monsoon/Summer (April to October): Strongly discouraged for tourists. The Meghna river crossing becomes extremely dangerous, and the island is prone to severe cyclones.

Where to stay

Accommodations on Hatiya are very basic. There are a few simple guesthouses in the main town (Oskhali). Most tourists prefer to stay in the slightly better eco-resorts on the adjacent Nijhum Dwip.

What to eat

🍽️Freshly caught Hilsa (Ilish) from the Meghna River
🍽️Various types of dried fish (Shutki) and fresh sea crabs
🍽️Fresh buffalo milk yogurt, a regional specialty

Travel tips

💡Book a cabin on the launch well in advance, as the journey from Dhaka is very long.
💡Transport on the island is primarily via motorcycles (rented with a driver) or battery-operated rickshaws. Expect bumpy, unpaved roads.
💡Carry sufficient cash, as ATMs are scarce outside the main town area.