Rawai Seafood Market

The colorful and atmospheric Rawai Market is a place where you can buy freshly caught seafood and, if you wish, have it cooked immediately.

Fish, shrimp, crabs, shellfish, lobsters – you can buy literally any seafood here. Nearby is a village of sea gypsies who engage in fishing, so you won’t find fresher seafood than at Rawai Market. Prices aren’t the lowest, but bargaining is appropriate – it’s a market after all.

A special feature of the market is the “cooking service” format: after purchasing, you take your seafood to the cafe located across the street, where for a moderate fee (about 100 baht per kg) they will cook it however you like – grilled, steamed, fried, with sauce, with cheese added, etc.

Rawai Market also sells fresh fruits, desserts, ice cream, souvenirs, and beach clothing. The evening, especially from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, is most lively, but during the day there are fewer tourists and it’s easier to choose products without the hustle. The cafes work until approximately 9:00 PM, and it’s advisable to select your seafood before this time.

The market is located next to the pier, which offers beautiful views of the sea. It’s pleasant to take a walk after dinner, breathe in the sea air and, if time permits, arrange a trip to the nearby islands directly with the local boatmen.

Life Hacks and Warnings

● Don’t buy from the first vendor you see — walk around the rows first and compare the goods.
● Check the weight — sometimes sellers overstate it.
● Don’t buy already dead crabs or lobsters.
● Bring wet wipes — you’ll be eating with your hands.

Also visit cafes and restaurants in Rawai to fully appreciate Thai cuisine.