A Classic Seafood Restaurant in Chalong
Palai Seafood has been around for a long time — one of those names that come up when people talk about where to eat seafood near Chalong. It’s not hidden or secret; in fact, it’s right by the sea on the road that leads to Mor Mu Dong. There’s a string of seafood restaurants along this stretch, but Palai stands out for its long-time reputation and big seating area overlooking the bay.
We’ve eaten here a few times over the years. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t change much — still the same open-air dining room with wooden furniture, tanks of live seafood out front, and views of bobbing longtails in the distance. The food is good and fairly priced, and they know how to handle the classics: steamed fish, stir-fried squid with garlic, crab curry, and grilled prawns. Nothing fancy, just honest southern Thai seafood done well.
The crowd tends to be a mix of long-time expats and tour groups, especially from China. It’s a popular lunch stop for minivans doing the southern loop, so if you come around 1 or 2 pm, it can get busy and the service slows down a bit. It’s not disorganised, just a little slow when full, which it often is. But the staff are friendly, and once the food hits the table, it’s easy to forget the wait.
You’re not on a beach, but you do get a breezy, open view of the bay and nearby mangroves. If you come late afternoon, just before sunset, the light over the water is beautiful, soft and warm. It’s quiet on weekdays and makes for a good stop if you’re coming back from a trip to the south or passing through Chalong.
Locals seem to prefer Laem Hin or Mor Mu Dong when they want seafood with a more down-to-earth atmosphere, but Palai still holds its own. It might not be a hidden gem anymore, but it’s reliable, and there’s something nice about restaurants that just keep doing what they do without trying to reinvent themselves.
Palai Seafood Info
Location: Chalong
Address: 32 Palai Beach, Chalong, Phuket 83000
Hours: 9 am – 10 pm
Phone: 076 282 174
