This laid-back, rustic beach cafe is as friendly as it is atmospheric and totally unique.  Set on the fantastic stretch of beach at Na Jomtien it is the perfect place to take it easy, enjoy a bite and an icy beer or glass of wine or two while watching a rainbow sunset and listening to the coolest sounds.  Feet in the sand or sitting on the deck the view is spectacular.   Come here to enjoy the tranquility of nature and the easy pace of informal diversions.  No dress code here, wear what you will, sit back, sup your chosen beverage, and with the wind in your hair breathe in the bracing ozone and forget your worries.  This is the place to beach your craft, chill out, enjoy the music and be thankful for the simple life.

Australian managed with the lovely Khun Mon in charge of the bar and food
the ambiance is stress and hassle-free.  Drifter’s is primarily a water sports bar and they are great supporters of the local clubs such as Amara’s Watersports and are more than happy to assist in advice and launches from their beach frontage.  Kite boarders, Hobie cat enthusiasts, wake boarders and SUP enthusiasts can all be on hand to advise on the local conditions and the fantastic unspoilt island destinations that make up this incomparable area.  This is the place to re-kindle your love of the ocean, learn new techniques and chat with like-minded boat buffs.  Gulf Charters (renowned international yacht trainers) have a strong connection and friendship with Drifter’s Beach Bar so much so that many call it their honourary club house!

The food here is no-frills nourishment, perfect for casual beach-side dining.  Italian thin crust pizzas are freshly baked in their wood-fired oven fueled with the finest Gum Tree wood and topped with the best quality ingredients.  Recently, Mick and I enjoyed a selection of the varieties whilst enjoying the social scene and imbibing a glass or two.  We can recommend all of them but our particular favourites were the Anchovy 2 (olives, capers, anchovies  and mozzarella),  Gorgonzola e pepperoni and perversely the Vegetarian with extra salami!  (Prices start from B.230 and there are over 20 varieties).   We love the nachos which come crisp and crunchy from the oven and topped with cheese and zinging jalapeño chillies.   Aussie’s love their pies and here at Drifter’s they have received the bona fide Antipodean seal of approval (all priced at B.125).  Hand-sized short crust pastry filled with steak and kidney (Pommie favourite), steak and bacon, chicken and mushroom or the quintessential Aussie mince are always well received and declared “pukka tucker”.

Pasta had been added to the menu since our last visit, either carbonara or the traditional napolitana (B.165).  Mick and I ordered a selection from the new Thai menu:  chicken massaman, tom yam khun and Penang gai.  My favourite was the massaman; robustly spiced chicken traditionally cooked on the bone with sauce drenched potatoes and peanuts.   It was delicious.

This beach bar/cafe is a gem of a “no frills” neighbourhood rendezvous.  Trevor, an Aussie regular famously remarked, “Drifter’s is located closer to the ocean than any restaurant you
are likely to find without getting wet!”  So, whether you go to enjoy the sun drenched sands, the turquoise ocean, a Tequila sunrise and a taco snack or a beer;  this is the place to stop drifting a while and  take time out to wind down, chill out and listen to the ocean.

How to get there:  Located on Na Jomtien Beach just past the Kilometer 154 marker and Wat Na Jomtien.  Heading south from Jomtien on Sukhunvit Highway make the first right turn after the Huya Yai intersection traffic signal (the temple will be on your right and a police box will be on your left).  Soi 8 is marked.  Follow the road to the bottom and turn right.  500 metres on the left hand side you will see Drifter’s Beach Café.

Tel:  08 1619 8626. Open daily (except Mondays) from midday till 10.00 pm (ish).  Two/three bedroom beach front apartments available for rent.   Visit info@driftersbeachcafe.com for more information Gulf Charters Sailing School go to www.gulfcharters
thailand.com and information on Amara Watersports on
www.amarawatersports.com.