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Rawai Seafood Market and Buying Fresh Seafood in Phuket: Prices and How It Works
Rawai's waterfront market is the best-known place to pick your own seafood and have it cooked next door. This page summarises how it works and what guides say about prices. Hours and prices change, so ask before you buy. Reviewed in November 2026.
How it works
You choose seafood from stalls on one side of a narrow road, agree a weight and price, then take it to a restaurant opposite that cooks it for a fee. Prices are generally set by the kilogram with tags, and bargaining is accepted. Everything is cash according to one visitor guide. Hours are reported variously as about 9am to 9pm or 11am to 9pm.
Prices and fees
Guides say prices are not the cheapest and have risen as tourism grew, but the seafood is fresh and often still alive. Restaurants charge for cooking, with one reviewer reporting around 100 baht a dish and others charging by weight. Agree the cooking fee before you sit down and check the weighing.
Other markets
Patong has a market where you buy downstairs and have it cooked upstairs, and Phuket Town Central Market on Ranong Road sells fish, meat and produce at local prices. Evening is livelier, while early morning gives the best choice if you want to cook at home.
Tips
- Go with a group to try more dishes.
- Watch the scales and ask for the price per kilo.
- Check freshness and keep seafood cold. See the hygiene guide.
- Allergies and shellfish risk are real. See the health pages.
- See the markets guide and the supermarkets guide.
This is general information, not medical, legal or insurance advice. Rules and conditions change, so check current official guidance for your situation.
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