It is not very often that you hear someone say they don’t have any tattoos. But I am one of those people that don’t have a tattoo. Not a single one. I don’t have a problem with tattoos or anything, I just never had the desire to get one.
Yes you should and there are plenty tourists getting tattoos in Thailand. Here is what I found out after doing some research to help you make an informed decision on getting tattoos in Thailand.
A little history about tattoos in Thailand.
Thai people have been getting intricate tattoos for thousands of years, believing that they will be protected from danger and even give them powers. Also, some Thai tattoos are for displaying a man’s military level and status.
Thailand’s ancient mystical tattooing, also known as “sak yant” has been around for over two thousand years. Sak means ” to tap” and yant means ” yantra ” or a type of mystical diagram.
Thai warriors would cover themselves in sak yant tattoos to protect them from danger and give them power and courage in battle. Muay Thai fighters are another common place to see these tattoos, as they believe they will give them power and protection during a fight.
Where to get a Sak Yant tattoo
The most popular place to get a Sak Yant tattoo is at the Wat Bang Phra temple about 45 minutes west of Bangkok by car. Address: Moo.3, Wat Lamut-Nara Phirom Road, Tambon Bang Kaeo Fa, Amphoe Nakhon Chai Si, Nakhon Pathom, 73120 Thailand.
Arjan Neng OnNut Sak Yant. Address: 288/296 Phueng Mi 50/24 Alley, Khwaeng Bang Chak, Khet Phra Khanong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10260, Thailand.
Sak Yant Chiang Mai. Address: 27-11 Arak Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
There are hundreds of tattoo shops throughout Thailand that can do Sak Yant “like” tattoos. Your Sak Yant tattoo will not be blessed if it is not performed by a trained Monk or Ajarn. Also, it is generally assumed that when getting a Sak Yant tattoo, that you are leading a good life.
In order for the Sak Yant to stay “magical” you must follow their general rules of conduct. These Buddhist Sak Yant rules of conduct are.
- Do not steal
- Do not lie
- Do not kill
- Do not speak ill of your Mother
- Do not get intoxicated
- Do not be with another person’s lover or spouse or be unfaithful to your own
Some of the rules may differ depending on the Monk or Ajarn that performs the tattoo.
Typically, this form of tattooing is performed with a two foot long bamboo stick or needle that is tapped “sak” into the skin until the design is finished. Therefore, this method can be rather painful compared to the electric tattoo machines.
So, if you can’t handle the pain, seek out an Ajarn that works in a tattoo shop with electric machines instead of a temple that uses the bamboo or needle.
The Wat Bang Phra Tattoo Festival.
This festival, also known as Wai Kru, is a festival meant to rejuvenate the powers of their sak yant tattoos. Attendees will go into a trance like state running around screaming with arms flailing about. Near the end they will run to the shrine of Luang Phor Pern to rejuvenate their sak yant tattoos.
But in reality the sak yant do not lose power over time on their own. It is the mindfulness of the sak yant wearer that goes down. This is why every March the ceremony takes place so the current tattoo master can bless all followers.
If you decide to get a sak yant.
The placement of a blessed sak yant is crucial. I believe that being respectful of other cultures is of utmost importance. In Thai culture the head is considered the holiest part of the body. Therefore, the feet are the worst part of the body. Basically, the closer to the ground the worse it is.
So, if you are going to get a sak yant tattoo by a Monk or Ajarn, they will place it where they think it should be without disrespecting Buddha. On the other hand, if you go to a tattoo shop for a fake sak yant, you will tell the artist where you want it.
This does not mean they will place it anywhere below the waist. Most Thai people will not disrespect Buddha in any way so it is disrespectful to ask them to do so.
Traditionally, the Ajarn (literally meaning “teacher”) or the Monk who applies the tattoo will decide what sak yant is best for each person. Basically, if you are a teacher, musician or business person, the Ajarn or Monk will pic a yant that will best benefit you.
After all, that is their job. That is why they are called the masters.
How much time does a sak yant tattoo take?
The actual tattoo does not take that much time. Smaller tattoos can take less than an hour to complete with larger tattoos like the Yant Sua or “Tiger Yant” taking half a day or longer. But, the tattoo is only the tip of the iceberg.
The tattoo master and the devotee will spend more time on the ritualistic part of the process. Also, the master will recite the Katas (mantras) so the time involved is not just getting the Tattoo.
I think it is important to remember that the sak yant is not just some ordinary tattoo. It is an image that should be sacred to the wearer and the wearer should try to follow the rules and advice of the master.
So don’t just get one because a celebrity got one. Get a sak yant for the traditional Thai experience and the meaning of the tattoo.
Is it safe getting a tattoo in Thailand?
This really depends on you and your do diligence. If you walk into a tattoo studio and the place is dirty and you don’t see good equipment and needles individually wrapped, leave.
Thailand has plenty of studios that are just as good as in the US. Tattoo artists aren’t regulated by the Thai government like in the US, it is up to you to ask questions and look at the facilities before you make the decision to get inked.
Getting a sak yant at a temple is kind of scary to me. They use the same needles or bamboo with everyone. The monks put the needles in rubbing alcohol in between patrons and use the same bucket of ink.
I’m not sure I like this method, but thousands of people go to these temples every year to get tattoos. There is no word that I could find of people getting blood diseases from this method.
Keeping your tattoo clean after is also something you need to consider. You shouldn’t go swimming at the beach or hiking through the jungles with a fresh tattoo. So make sure you have the time to allow for the healing process. Plan your trip accordingly. The last thing you want is an infection to ruin your vacation.
Does the artist do good work?
Ask how long the artist has been doing tattoos and make sure you see pictures of them doing the actual tattoos they are showing. Another common mistake is to expect the artist to be able to do anything you want. It’s like asking a rock band to play classical music. They might try but it won’t be without problems.
Therefore make sure the artists work is inline with the style you are looking for. If you don’t get a good vibe from the artist or studio, just move on until you find one that you feel good about. Don’t worry, there are plenty to choose from all throughout Thailand.
Do you have enough time to do the tattoo you want?
If you are picking an elaborate tattoo that will take many sessions, you need to have the time to do so. Also, do you want to spend your vacation in the tattoo studio? My bet is you probably don’t.
My advice is to pick something that will take one or two sessions only. That way you can spend more time wandering around Thailand doing all the things and seeing as much as you can.
Maybe do the tattoo near the end of your trip so you can swim and trek all you want. You will also be home for most of the healing process if you do it at the end.
How much do tattoos cost in Thailand?
As with everything, it really depends on the tattoo artist. If a tattoo artist is just starting out, they will be cheaper than someone with ten years experience. From what I have researched, prices will vary in a few different ways.
In some shops they charge a flat hourly rate. Nice modern up to date studios with newer equipment and in popular areas, the prices are around 3,000 THB or $92 US. The out of the way shops will be as low as 1000 THB or $31 US.
By the size, intricacy, coloring and shading will be anywhere from 1000 THB or $31 US for a small black image to 60,000 THB or $1,857 US for an entire sleeve with full color and shading.
Sak yant tattoos at temples will cost next to nothing. Usually you will buy an offering (around 100 THB or $3 US) near the front door and present it to the monks. The Monk’s will then use the money for the upkeep of the temple.
I recommend buying a few, as $3 US is absolutely nothing for what you get. You could even donate some cash to the temple if you have the dough to spend.
These prices are as high as 50% cheaper than most western countries and as always they will vary and change over time.
Conclusion?
As I said in the beginning, I don’t have any tattoos and I don’t think I will ever get one. So I decided I better sit down, do some research and write this article to help all of you tattoo enthusiasts out there that are going to Thailand soon. Tattoos are just too popular not to.
Oh, and one last thing. If you are doing a Thai script tattoo, double check the spelling! Ask a few Thai people to check it for you before they start the tattoo. You will appreciate the peace of mind for the rest of your life. Literally.
Happy tattooing in Thailand!