12 days in Thailand 1/7- 1/18/2025

Day  9- Arrival in Phuket-1/15/2025

We flew from Chiang Mai Airport to Phuket Airport.  The flight is about 2 hours.

Checked into the Royal Phuket City Hotel and after a bit of rest, we headed up to the hotel’s revolving restaurant on the top floor where there is a view of the city.

From above, Phuket stretched out in every direction, and the view was stunning with the sky glowing in warm shades of orange as the sun hovered just above the distant mountains, casting a soft, golden light over the city below.

From the top of the Royal Phuket City Hotel, far away from the city is the vast Andaman Sea, the body of water that hugs Phuket’s eastern coastline. In the distance, those silhouettes that looked like islands floating above the water are most likely part of the dramatic limestone karst formations scattered across Phang Nga Bay, a famous seascape dotted with steep, jungle-covered islands rising straight out of the sea. From this angle, we might have caught a glimpse of areas near Ko Yao Yai or Ko Yao Noi, two larger islands that sit quietly between Phuket and the mainland

Looking down below, those rows of long brown roofs were likely part of a market or commercial complex, possibly warehouses or shopping arcades common around Phuket Town.

The cluster of houses spreading outward would be Phuket Old Town, known for its dense layout of historic buildings, narrow streets, and Sino-Portuguese architecture.

As the sun slipped behind the mountains, everything softened, the city dimmed, and that deep orange glow lingered across the sky. It’s one of those quiet, cinematic moments where the whole landscape feels suspended between day and night.

Balcony on the rooftop of the hotel.

We met with Minh and Loan just in time for this gorgeous sunset.

We hang around a bit and then we are heading to the Old town for dinner.

Dinner at Maimorn

Tucked away in Phuket Old Town, Maimorn Seafood is one of those places you don’t plan for, but end up remembering. It’s a favorite among locals, which explains the steady crowd and lively but relaxed atmosphere.

The setting is part of its charm: open-air seating under tall trees, soft lighting, and even a nearby lotus pond that adds a calm, almost garden-like feel. It’s not flashy or touristy, just comfortable, welcoming, and very Phuket.

The menu leans heavily into southern Thai flavors.

 The fried rice topped with crispy shallots and served on a banana leaf is simple but deeply satisfying, especially with that punchy fish sauce and chili dip on the side.

Pretty presentation.

Deep fried chicken tendons.

The deep-fried chicken tendons brought a fun, crunchy texture, balanced by the sweet and sour sauce. Hoa loves this dish.

Then came Moo Hong, a true Phuket specialty, rich, tender pork belly braised in a five-spice soy-based sauce, deeply savory with a hint of sweetness.  This dish resemble the Thit Kho Trung (a Vietnamese dish).

The fermented chicken wings added another layer of flavor, slightly tangy, crispy, and addictive, while the seafood Thai soup delivered that bold southern profile: spicy, sour, and aromatic.

All of the dishes we ordered were delicious!

 And finishing with a whole deep-fried fish with garlic is classic Thai dining.  It is crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfect for sharing.

The fish was fresh and also delicious.

A few steps from our table is the lotus pond.

It is quite relaxing to hear the sound of the water while eating.

What makes a place like Maimorn stand out isn’t just the food, it’s that balance of being low-key yet memorable. We are surrounded by locals, eating authentic dishes, in a setting that feels both casual and special at the same time.

NEXT... Day 10- Phuket Old town

Filed under: Restaurants