Introduction
The Drifter’s Anchor Koh Chang is unlike anything else on the island. Two brothers from Canada arrived on a remote island in Thailand with a vision, a lot of determination, and no shortcut in sight. Everything you see at The Drifter’s Anchor — every plank, every bottle, every piece of furniture — was carried up by hand. No roads. No machinery. Just two people who believed the view was worth it.
Spoiler: it absolutely is.
If you’re planning a trip to Koh Chang and you only do one thing off the beaten path, make it this. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is The Drifter’s Anchor?
The Drifter’s Anchor is a hidden bar and small guesthouse tucked into the mountains of Koh Chang, Thailand. It sits above the treeline with views that most visitors to the island never see — because most visitors never make the climb.
It’s not on every tourist map. It doesn’t have a giant sign pointing the way. And that’s exactly what makes it special.
The property has a pool, a handful of accommodation options, and a bar that somehow feels like it was always meant to be there — even though two brothers built every inch of it from scratch.
The Story Behind It
When you sit down and talk to the owners, the place takes on a whole new meaning.
Two Canadian brothers fell in love with Koh Chang and decided to build something. Not just book a venue or lease a space — actually build it, with their hands, up a mountain. Every supply was carried up on foot. Every beam, every chair, every thing.
Once they told us the story, what was already a beautiful sunset bar became something much more. It’s a labour of love in the most literal sense of the phrase. You can feel it in the place.
Getting There
This is where I have to be honest with you: don’t try this on a scooter.
The path up is a steep climb — not dangerously so, but steep enough that a motorbike becomes more of a liability than a help. The walk takes around 5 to 10 minutes from the base, and while you’ll feel it in your legs, it is absolutely worth every step.
Tips for the walk up:
- Wear proper shoes — flip flops on a steep jungle path are not your friend
- Go in the late afternoon so you arrive in time for sunset
What to Expect When You Arrive
The moment you crest the climb and the bar comes into view, you’ll understand why people make the effort.
The vibe is relaxed, unhurried, and genuinely warm. The owners and staff are welcoming in a way that feels natural rather than performative — this is clearly a place run by people who love what they’ve built and love sharing it.
The pool sits on the hillside with a view that changes colour as the sun drops. The jungle is all around you. The sounds of the island drift up from below.
Sunset here is completely different from sunset on the beach or at a typical viewpoint. You’re above it all. The light hits differently. It’s one of those travel moments you don’t forget.
The Prices
Pleasantly surprising. For a place this special, with a view this good, the prices are genuinely budget-friendly. Drinks are affordable, the atmosphere is priceless, and you won’t leave feeling like you’ve been charged a premium for the privilege of finding it.
This is not one of those “hidden gem” spots that have quietly become expensive. It still feels like a local secret.
Accommodation
Beyond the bar, The Drifter’s Anchor offers a small number of places to stay. If you want to fall asleep to jungle sounds and wake up above the clouds, this is your spot.
Rooms are limited so book ahead if you’re considering staying overnight.
Why This Place Matters
Koh Chang is already one of Thailand’s most underrated islands — and The Drifter’s Anchor is its most underrated secret.
In a world of algorithm-optimised “hidden gems” that have 50,000 Instagram posts, this place still genuinely flies under the radar. The brothers built something real here, and it deserves to be found by the right kind of travellers — the ones who don’t mind a steep climb and appreciate a story behind their sunset drink.
Go before it changes.
How to Visit — Quick Summary
- Location: Koh Chang mountains, Thailand
- Getting there: Walk up — do not attempt by scooter
- Walk time: 5–10 minutes from the base
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon for sunset
- Prices: Budget-friendly
- Accommodation: Available — book ahead
- Book here: The Drifter’s Anchor on Booking.com
Before You Go
Planning your full Koh Chang trip? Don’t miss my complete guide to the island — where to stay, what to spend, and everything else you need to know.
👉 Read the full Koh Chang guide here