At a Glance
Dolphin Circle. Not so much a tourist attraction as it is a key transport hub and a recognizable landmark in North Pattaya that you simply can’t miss.
Place Description
Essentially, it’s a bustling junction with dolphins in Pattaya, managing traffic at the intersection of Beach Road, Second Road, and Naklua. The center of the circle features a sculptural ensemble that lends the place its name. By day, it’s alive with the roar of engines, bikes, and songthaews, with crowds crossing from the beach to Terminal 21, which stands right opposite.
This isn’t a place for meditation—it’s filled with exhaust fumes and constant noise. Everyone converges here: tourists heading for shopping, expats living in Naklua, and locals rushing about. Despite the hustle, this transit artery is a great starting point for a walk around the northern part of the city or a jumping-off point for trips toward Jomtien.
Basic Information
- Address: Intersection of Second Road and Pattaya-Naklua Road, opposite Terminal 21. Plus Code: XV2Q+92R.
- Hours: Open 24/7. As a road junction, access is always available.
- Best Time to Visit: For photos—early morning with less traffic. For transit—anytime, songthaews run constantly.
- Budget: Free. Costs only for transport: a ride on a songthaew around the city is about 10-20 ฿.
Why Go
- Key spot for transferring onto songthaews (tuk-tuks) in any direction: Naklua, the center, Jomtien.
- An ideal landmark you can’t miss if you’re heading to Terminal 21.
- Good for a few quick snaps, especially in the evening when the sculpture lights up.
- Convenient starting point for a walk along North Pattaya’s promenade.
Insider Tips
- Don’t try to take photos in the middle of the road—the traffic is heavy and dangerous. The best angles are from the sidewalk at the entrance of Terminal 21.
- This is the start and end point for many songthaew routes. If you need to go to Jomtien, look for the blue tuk-tuk waiting nearby.
- Occasionally, the fountain and sculptures are closed for renovation, so the junction with dolphins in Pattaya might not be as picturesque as on postcards.
- Crossing the road here is a challenge. Use pedestrian crossings and be very cautious.
Logistics
- Tuk-tuk (Songthaew): This is the main songthaew hub. Blue ones go along Sukhumvit, white ones to Naklua. Just tell the driver “Dolphin Circle” or “Terminal 21”, and they’ll understand. City fare is 10-20 ฿.
- Taxi (Bolt/Grab): Search for “Dolphin Circle” or “Terminal 21 Pattaya”. Access is easy, but during peak hours, you might get caught in traffic approaching the circle.
- Own Transport: There’s no parking for bikes or cars right at the circle. Head straight to the multi-level parking at Terminal 21—it’s free and spacious.
The Unique Factor
Despite its utilitarian nature, Dolphin Circle has become an unofficial symbol of North Pattaya, marking the line between the bustling center and the quieter Naklua area.
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