Sonar Char
সোনার চর
A remote island of golden sand and planted forest in Rangabali, far from the Kuakata crowds.
At a glance
- Where
- Patuakhali district, Barishal division
- From Dhaka
- 225 km to Patuakhali by road, 6–8 hours by bus or car
- Best time
- winter (Dec–Jan)
- Time needed
- At least 1 night
Times and costs are estimates from our planner and the prices we collected. Check before you go.
See the place on video
Sonar Char is a char island in Rangabali upazila, in the estuary south of Patuakhali. It has a long beach, mangrove and other planted forest, and is protected as a wildlife sanctuary. Red crabs, migratory birds and deer are among its attractions. Visitor facilities are minimal, so it suits those who enjoy rough travel.
How to get there
From Patuakhali, travel to Galachipa or Rangabali and hire a trawler; trips are easier with local operators.
Good to know
Go only in calm winter weather with a reliable boat and life jackets; carry water and food.
Where to stay in Patuakhali
Common questions
Where is Sonar Char?
Sonar Char is in Patuakhali district, Barishal division, Bangladesh. Patuakhali is about 225 km from Dhaka by road.
How do you get to Sonar Char from Dhaka?
First get to Patuakhali, roughly 6–8 hours from Dhaka by bus or car. Then: From Patuakhali, travel to Galachipa or Rangabali and hire a trawler; trips are easier with local operators.
When is the best time to visit Sonar Char?
The best time is winter (Dec–Jan). Plan to stay at least 1 night.
More from Patuakhali
District guide →
Place Kuakata sea beach
কুয়াকাটা সমুদ্র সৈকতA long, flat beach where the sun both rises and sets over the Bay of Bengal.
Representative photo Place Gangamati reserved forest
গঙ্গামতির সংরক্ষিত বনA coastal forest east of Kuakata, the classic spot to watch sunrise over the sea.
Representative photo Place Rakhine Buddhist temples of Kuakata and Misripara
কুয়াকাটা ও মিশ্রিপাড়ার বৌদ্ধ মন্দিরColourful Rakhine temples housing large Buddha statues near the beach.
Food Kuakata beach seafood fry
কুয়াকাটার সামুদ্রিক মাছ ভাজাPick a crab, pomfret or prawn from the stall's tray and watch it fried on the spot.
Nearby
Representative photo Hidden place ▶ Video Jahajmara sea beach
Patuakhali · জাহাজমারা সমুদ্রসৈকতA remote beach in Rangabali, named after a ship that sank in its silt, with red crabs, fishing boats and a belt of coastal forest.
Representative photo Place Gangamati reserved forest
Patuakhali · গঙ্গামতির সংরক্ষিত বনA coastal forest east of Kuakata, the classic spot to watch sunrise over the sea.
Place Kuakata sea beach
Patuakhali · কুয়াকাটা সমুদ্র সৈকতA long, flat beach where the sun both rises and sets over the Bay of Bengal.
Representative photo Tradition Rash Purnima at Kuakata
Patuakhali · কুয়াকাটার রাসপূর্ণিমাHindu pilgrims bathe in the sea at dawn under the autumn full moon, with a fair on the beach.