Be prepared for a rough and tumble, totally Thai experience at Palai. Blend in and you'll have a great time. The al fresco part of the restaurant is busy from early evening on and just keeps getting busier as minivans arrive and diners file towards the tables so you're not exactly getting one-on-one, gold card winning service from the very young staff.
There is one singular facet to Palai's atmosphere, however: the prerecorded background music is top class – if you are a jazz lover. John Coltrane, Stan Getz, Sarah Vaughn et al blow away to beat the band until nine o'clock when more sedate Thai music comes on.