Hoi An Now

Tiger Tiger

Tiger Tiger aka King Tiger Tiger, is the backpackers’ bar of choice. It’s invariably packed while other bars nearby sit abandoned and forlorn. Why? Once you get past the al fresco setting by the street you’re in a full-on dance club that plays music the under-30s really want to hear and move to. It’s that simple.

Sure, there are countless specials and a 7.30pm – 10.00pm Happy Hour that includes a free drink on entry. It’s likely the sheer robust life of the place is bound to be a magnet for passers-by as well. But, in the end, it’s the music that makes all the difference.

Tiger Tiger set its tone not long ago with the following promotion: “The first 6 people to strip to their underwear and do the ice bucket challenge will receive FREE BUCKETS ALL NIGHT! Go on… Read the T-shirt!” (The bar’s slogan printed on its T-shirt reads: Don’t Be a Pussy, Be a Tiger!)

Inside, a DJ rules like a Roman Emperor from an elevated platform and there’s a constant throng of young punters gyrating en masse below. It’s dark and fog machines swirl away amidst the beats and the light show of deep reds and blues.

On my visit the substantial crowd began chanting the name of their next venue in a frenzy as they were gently ushered out in a long conga line around 12.20am. Spirits were high and it was as if the hundred or so punters were one big happy family.

Interestingly, there’s no mention of Tiger Tiger on Trip Advisor at all which is extremely odd considering its undoubted popularity. I wonder which factor is more important: