Chaiyo Seafood Restaurant

Tucked along the river in the Wichit area of central Phuket, this seafood restaurant offers something genuinely distinctive: a floating raft section that sits directly among the mangroves, giving diners open-air views of the waterway and a cool river breeze that sets it apart from the typical tourist-trail dining experience. The setting feels secluded despite being a short drive from Phuket Town, making it a favourite with both locals and returning visitors. The menu leans into fresh Thai coastal cooking, with shellfish drawing particular praise from regulars. Groups can work through a spread of dishes at mid-range prices — visitors report feeding six people across around ten dishes for approximately 2,500 baht, making it a reasonable option for families or groups wanting to share widely. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, with a setting that rewards those willing to seek it out beyond the busier beach resort zones. Good to know: Opening hours are not confirmed online, so it is worth calling ahead or arriving early to avoid any uncertainty. Weekday lunchtimes tend to be quieter, and the riverside location means the floating raft section is best enjoyed during daylight when the mangrove scenery is visible. The address on Muangthong-Kaokard Road places it in a local neighbourhood rather than a tourist area, so having the address ready for a taxi or map app is recommended.