Marine Department Pier is one of the popular Chao Phraya River piers in Bangkok, frequently used by tourists and locals who come to take public boats or just enjoy the river views. Discover everything you need to know about Marine Department Pier, such as boat routes, timetables, tickets, how to get there, and the best things to do and places to stay nearby.
This Marine Department Pier guide covers:
The Pier
Marine Department Pier is located on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River next to Talad Noi, an ethnic Chinese community on the edge of Chinatown, Bangkok. The newly renovated, picturesque pier is located at the riverfront of the headquarters of the Marine Department. Taking a boat to this pier is a good choice for travelers who are looking to visit the Talat Noi neighborhood and Chinatown.
It is a public boat pier where you can board the public boats offered by the Chao Phraya Express Boat and Thai Smile Boat companies.
Boats to board at Marine Department Pier
You can board different types of boats at Marine Department Pier, as it's a popular Chao Phraya River pier in Bangkok. Discover the public boat services that can be boarded at the pier.
Chao Phraya Express Boat
The Chao Phraya Express Boat is the main public boat service operating along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. The company operates several boat routes with a different number of stops and varied timetables, as some of them operate on weekdays and during rush hour only. The routes are recognized by the color of the flag the boat flies.
Most of the public boat routes make a stop at the pier.
Orange Flag Boat
Orange Flag Boat was the most frequent Bangkok public boat service on the Chao Phraya River, which runs from Nonthaburi Pier, located north of the city, to Wat Rajsingkorn Pier, which is found just before Asiatique. However, now the boats on this route only operate on weekdays, with departures in the morning and in late afternoon.
Yellow Flag Boat
The original route of the Yellow Flag Boat connects Sathorn Pier with Nonthaburi Pier during rush hour on weekdays. After the latest schedule update in April 2026, during the daytime and on weekends, the Yellow Flag boats are changing the Orange Flag boats and operating daily, with additional stops and the terminal stop at Wat Rajsingkorn Pier during these hours. All Yellow Flag boats make a stop at Marine Department.
Green-Yellow Flag Boat
Green Yellow Flag boats operate between Pakkret Pier (N33) and Sathorn Pier, with departures from Sathorn Pier scheduled Monday–Friday in late afternoon.
All the above-mentioned boats can also be taken in the opposite direction for getting to Sathorn Pier.
If you are planning to use public boats and the BTS Skytrain frequently, save time and make traveling easier by purchasing a Rabbit Card ticket online and conveniently picking it up at the airport.
Thai Smile Boat
Thai Smile Boat, previously known as MINE Smart Ferry, is an electric public boat service operating on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It's a more environmentally friendly alternative to the Chao Phraya Express Boat.
Thai Smile Boat is currently operating three electric boat routes along the river. Only one of them can be boarded at Marine Department Pier.
The Urban Line (Purple Line) connects Sathorn Pier with Phra Nang Klao Bridge Pier in the suburbs and makes a stop at Marine Department. Boats on this route depart in the morning and in the afternoon, with a different frequency on weekdays and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Boat tickets at the pier
As there's normally no one selling tickets at the pier, you can board the boat and buy a ticket on board.
If you have a Rabbit Card, you can use it to pay the fare for any of the public boats operated by Chao Phraya Express Boat.
To board the Thai Smile Boat, you can use the Thai Go Day Pass, covering the three electric boat routes and all Thai Smile Bus routes.
Popular destinations from Marine Department
The most popular destinations that can be reached by boat from the Marine Department:
- ICONSIAM
- Sathorn Pier
- Wat Arun
- Grand Palace
- Asiatique
- Khao San Road
All these popular spots along the Chao Phraya River, as well as several other destinations, can be conveniently visited by purchasing a Chao Phraya Tourist Boat one-day pass.
However, the tourist boat doesn't stop at Marine Department, so you need to take the boat to Ratchawong, ICONSIAM, or Sathorn Pier first and board the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat there.
Marine Department to ICONSIAM
ICONSIAM shopping mall is the main attraction in the area, as it's a famous shopping complex with hundreds of high-end shops and restaurants and even an indoor floating market, which is perfect for those who want to taste a variety of Thai dishes at affordable prices. If you are heading there, don't forget to book your free ONESIAM Global Visitor Card that will let you enjoy exclusive discounts and services at a variety of stores inside the ICONSIAM and 5 other shopping complexes of the group.
ICONSIAM Pier is also a popular spot for boarding Bangkok river cruises, as many of them depart from there daily.
To get from Marine Department Pier to ICONSIAM, you can normally take the Orange Flag Boat or the Yellow Flag Boat (during the daytime and on weekend). However, it's not uncommon for this stop to be suspended. In such a case, you would be dropped off at Si Phraya Pier and would need to take the ICONSIAM shuttle boat from there.
Marine Department to Sathorn Pier
Sathorn Pier, located under the King Taksin the Great Bridge on the same side of the river, is the central pier of the Chao Phraya River public boats. At Sathorn Pier, you can transfer to the BTS Skytrain at the nearby BTS Saphan Taksin Station and then extend your trip to other Bangkok areas, like Silom, Siam, Sukhumvit, Chatuchak, and others.
To get from Marine Department to Sathorn Pier, you can take any of the public boats offered by Chao Phraya Express Boat or Thai Smile Boat.
Marine Department to Wat Arun
Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn, is a Buddhist temple situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Thanks to its riverside location, Wat Arun is one of the most stunning temples and one of the best-known landmarks in Bangkok.
To get from Marine Department Pier to Wat Arun, you need to take the Orange Flag Boat or the Yellow Flag Boat to Tha Tien Pier and then use the river-crossing ferry service to get to Wat Arun Pier.
Marine Department to the Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is an impressive complex of buildings that was an official residence of the Thai kings for 150 years. The complex also houses Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is regarded as the most important and sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.
To get from Marine Department to the Grand Palace, you can take the Chao Phraya Express Boat (Yellow, Orange, and Green Yellow Flag) to Tha Chang Pier (N9), which is the pier nearest to the entrance of the palace complex.
Marine Department Pier to Asiatique
Asiatique The Riverfront Destination, occupying a large complex of old warehouses on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, feels more like an open-air shopping mall than a night market. Here you can shop for souvenirs, dine at numerous restaurants, enjoy the views from the highest Ferris wheel in Bangkok, Asiatique Sky, or spend an evening watching the most popular ladyboy show in the city, Calypso Cabaret. The newly-opened trending Bangkok attractions Jurassic World The Experience and SkyFlyers - Wings of Garudapterus are also located at Asiatique.
Asiatique Pier is another popular spot for boarding Bangkok river cruises.
To get from Marine Department Pier to Asiatique, you can take any of the public boats to Sathorn Pier and transfer there to the free Asiatique shuttle boat, which will take you directly to Asiatique Pier. However, this option is only available from 16:00.
If you want to get there earlier, you can take the Orange Flag Boat or the Yellow Flag Boat (during the daytime and on weekend) from Marine Department to Wat Rajsingkorn Pier and walk to Asiatique from there.
Marine Department to Khao San Road
Khao San Road is the most popular location in Bangkok among backpackers and solo travelers who like to connect. The area is located just north of Bangkok Old Town, with the city's most important attractions within walking distance.
To get from Marine Department Pier to Khao San Road, you can take one of the Chao Phraya Express boats (Orange Flag or daytime Yellow Flag) to Phra Arthit Pier (N13), which is the pier nearest to the backpacker street.
How to get to Marine Department Pier
The simplest way to get to Marine Department Pier is a trip by the BTS Skytrain to BTS Saphan Taksin Station on the Silom Line. Then from the nearby Sathorn Pier, you can take the Chao Phraya Express Boat (yellow, orange, and green-yellow flag) to Marine Department.
The nearest MRT station is Hua Lamphong Station on the MRT Blue Line, which is located about 1 km away from the pier.
Most of the city's public boat services offered by Chao Phraya Express Boat and Thai Smile Boat can also be used for traveling to the pier from different riverside areas in Bangkok.
Several Bangkok bus routes also reach Marine Department as they pass on Charoen Krung Road, with the nearest bus stop to the pier being the Talad Noi.
Things to do near Marine Department Pier
Talat Noi is an ethnic Chinese community on the edge of Bangkok's Chinatown Bangkok, which is full of character and history. Here you can admire a collection of creative murals that are blending perfectly with the neighborhood’s charmingly worn-down buildings. At Talat Noi you will find not only street art but also cute hidden cafés and antique shops.
Bangkok Chinatown, locally known as Yaowarat, is one of the oldest and most unique cultural areas of Bangkok, which was established by Chinese merchants in the 1780s. The streets of Chinatown are full of colorful buildings and decorations as well as Chinese-style attractions, restaurants, and markets.
River City Bangkok is the center for art and antiques where art lovers and collectors can explore galleries, see international exhibitions, meet artists, attend talks, watch films, bid at auctions, enjoy live music, or gain an understanding of Thailand’s burgeoning contemporary art scene.
Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha), located about 750 meters from the Marine Department, is a beautiful temple with the world's largest solid gold statue that weighs 5.5 tons and is 3 meters tall.
Bangkok Railway Station, locally known as Hua Lamphong Railway Station, is located about 1 km from Marine Department. Previously, it was the main train station in Bangkok, but now only some of the ordinary trains depart from there. However, Hua Lamphong is one of the city’s key tourist landmarks, as the station has preserved its charm and beauty since it was officially launched back in 1916.
Hotels near Marine Department Pier
The most popular accommodation options near the pier are:
Penthouse Lamoon (also check the special offer for the hotel on Agoda).
Tiny Taladnoi Hostel (also check the special offer for the hotel on Agoda).
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel (also check the special offer for the hotel on Agoda).
Other Bangkok Chao Phraya River Piers
The Chao Phraya River pier map can be found here: Bangkok River Pier Map.