Noakhali (নোয়াখালী): travel guide

Coastal delta district and gateway to Nijhum Dwip mangrove island, home to spotted deer herds and nesting migratory birds.

Noakhali is in Noakhali district, Chattogram division, Bangladesh. Compare bus, train and air fares to Noakhali and see the route on a map.

Things to do in Noakhali

  • Musapur Closure Dam (মুছাপুর ক্লোজার): Closure dam and 23-vent regulator on the Feni River estuary in Musapur union, Companiganj, visited for its wide, sea-like river views. The regulator was breached in the August 2024 floods and its rebuilding was still being planned in 2025, so check conditions... Nature, free entry
  • Gandhi Ashram (Jayag) (গান্ধী আশ্রম): Ashram at Jayag on land given by zamindar Hemanta Kumar Ghosh after Mahatma Gandhi's 1946-47 Noakhali peace mission. Prayers are held daily, and its Gandhi Memorial Museum of photos, letters and relics reopened after renovation on 2 October 2021. Museum, free entry
  • Bir Sreshtho Ruhul Amin Library and Memorial Museum (বীরশ্রেষ্ঠ শহীদ মোহাম্মদ রুহুল আমিন গ্রন্থাগার ও স্মৃতি জাদুঘর): Memorial library and museum in Baghpanchra, Sonaimuri, the home village of Bir Sreshtho Mohammad Ruhul Amin, who was killed aboard BNS Palash on 10 December 1971. Museum, free entry
  • Bajra Shahi Mosque (বজরা শাহী মসজিদ): Three-domed Mughal mosque built in 1741-42 by zamindar Aman Ullah, decorated with ceramic-shard mosaic and protected by the Department of Archaeology. Historical, free entry
  • Ramzan Miah Mosque (রমজান মিয়া জামে মসজিদ): Three-domed Mughal-era brick mosque completed in 1770 in Daulat Ramdi village, Kabirhat upazila; locally also called the Chowdhury Masjid. Historical, free entry

Where to stay in Noakhali

  • White Hall Guest House (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. 12 rooms, on-site restaurant, free parking
  • Hotel Valentino (MidRange), about ৳3,700 - ৳4,700/night. Free breakfast, WiFi and parking; restaurant; near Noakhali Zilla Jame Mosque

Travel advice for Noakhali

  • Reaching Hatiya: Hatiya is reached by sea-truck from Noakhali, steamer from Chattogram or launch from Dhaka.
  • Gandhi Ashram museum: The museum holds over 120 photographs, letters and documents, and a bust of Gandhi. Confirm opening hours locally as none are published.
  • Trains from Dhaka: Upakul Express and Noakhali Express run between Noakhali and Kamalapur in Dhaka, and a local train links Noakhali to Laksam Junction. Dhaka is 151 km by road.
  • Bata and chiring fish, haas bhuna (Noakhali coast): Coastal Noakhali, including Hatiya island, is known for bata (a large sardine-like fish fried in turmeric), chiring (a small fish that comes ashore at low tide) and nona ilish (hilsa salted in clay pots for months). Duck curry (haas bhuna) is a Noakhali favourite.
  • Char doi (buffalo-milk yoghurt): On Noakhali's chars and Hatiya island, char doi is set in clay pots from unpasteurised buffalo milk. It is creamy and slightly sour, and is eaten after spicy meals.
  • Kholajali pitha: A thin, net-like rice-flour pitha with many tiny holes, cooked on an earthen griddle (khola), originating from the Noakhali region and popular around Feni and Lakshmipur.

More places to explore in Bangladesh

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