Tiger Complex

Tiger Complex is on Bangla Road in Patong, recognizable by the giant tiger facade. It sits in the middle of the nightclub stretch, close to Illuzion, Seduction Nightclub and Rock Hard. Patong hotels are within walking distance, so you can reach it on foot and leave the scooter at home.

It is a multi-level complex with a club, bars and the giant tiger facade. That makes it more than a single nightclub: you can start in one bar, move upstairs or across to the club and stay in the same building. It is a handy first stop if you do not yet know what mood you are in.

Yes, because the whole thing is under one roof and right on the pedestrian street. You can see the mood from the entrance before you commit, and the staff are used to tourists. Go with a plan, pick one room, and keep an eye on the bill rather than trying every floor in one night.

Close by are Red Hot Club, Oscar Bar, Seduction Nightclub, Rock Hard, Cocoon and Blow. Several are clubs and bars, so a crawl from one door to the next is easy. Soi Seadragon, the gogo soi, is also only a short walk down Bangla Road if you want to change the kind of night.

It is a mixed tourist venue, so you will find holidaymakers, groups and some freelancers, all in the same rooms. Do not assume anyone is working. A drink and a friendly chat is the way in, and a clear no means no. If you want the bar-girl set-up, the gogo and beer bars off Bangla suit better.

They suit different nights. Illuzion is the one with the headline DJs and the big shows. Tiger Complex is a multi-level place with a club and bars, so you get more variety and can move between rooms. Pick Tiger if you want to wander, Illuzion if you want one big dance floor and a headline DJ.

Check every tab before you pay, and settle drinks as you go if you can. Keep your phone in a front pocket, watch your drink and note the fire exits, since Thai nightclubs have a history of fires. Skip touts on Bangla Road offering upstairs shows, and take a Grab home rather than a street taxi.

Arrive in the evening, pick one bar to start in, and move up through the complex as the crowd grows. Bring your passport copy, dress smart casual and set a limit for the night. If you want a different crowd later, Seduction Nightclub and Illuzion are a minute away on the same road.