Ben - Two Iced Teas It was not on my list of things to do this year, getting a tattoo in Thailand. Much less having it done by a Sak Yant Master, imparting it with ancient magic powers. But then, some of the best experiences are those that happen by chance.
Sak (meaning “tap”) Yant tattoos consist of sacred geometrical, animal and deity yantra designs, said to offer various benefits of power, protection or fortune to the bearer.
In this case, the chance was a simple advertisement stuck to a telegraph pole in Chiang Mai which piqued my interest.
The inference that there are a lot of scam tattoo artists out there is certainly not subtle, and walking back to the hotel it was impossible not to notice how many tattoo shops offered bamboo tattoos, or sak yant designs. I had a mission on my hands over afternoon iced tea; find out as much about this ancient art as I could.
Luckily, Sak Yant Chiang Mai website proved a treasure trove of information – articles and videos – which was, in itself, a big selling point. I had no idea, for example, that oftentimes the Sak Yant designs you see on books outside tattoo shops have gibberish text, as they’ve been copied from genuine artists who won’t design the real text until it’s time to tattoo. Also, the fact that “bamboo tattoo” is a misnomer, traditional tattoos have never been made with bamboo – it’s little more than an invention for tourists that’s caught on.
So, with a new found wealth of knowledge, I had a decision on my hands – what design to get?!
Sak Yant Chiang Mai have an extensive design book to pore over and – being a cautious type – I decided upon a single line design called Suea, or “tiger”, said to offer strength and power. They also offer the option to be tattooed by a monk in a temple, or at the shrine in their shop, and you can book a temple tour if you wish. For me, given the amount of time I had spare, I opted for the most basic option, which seemed popular based on Google reviews.
Booking is easy, with a deposit required up front via the website to secure the slot, and the remainder to be paid on arrival at the tattoo studio.
Sak Yant Chiang Mai is located along the western boundary of the old town, on Arak Road. Easy to find by foot or by Grab/Songthaew if coming from further away.
The process itself is straightforward, and the staff are on hand to help and give instructions where needed. Actually getting the tattoo however is more akin to a ritual ceremony than what one might normally expect from a regular tattoo. Broadly the process went as follows;
- Deliver the “offering” bouquet to the Ajarn, which includes your payment (this is all handled by the tattoo studio – you do not need to come armed with flowers or gifts, unless you want to!)
- Quickly discuss the tattoo, its size and placement. The Ajarn won’t necessarily speak your language, but there was someone on hand who was able to offer advice for best placement etc, and then explains that to the Ajarn
- Receive the Sak Yant!
- Receive a blessing from the Ajarn
- Walk away happy with your new tattoo
This was a fantastic experience and one which I would really recommend if it’s something you’ve been considering. Some frequently asked questions:
What’s all this about being scammed?
You’ll be surprised to hear that relatively few places offer “real” Sak Yant compared to how many tattoo shops there are in Thailand – and how many offer bamboo tattoo, poke tattoo or even sak yant tattoo. In fact, the term “bamboo tattoo” was dreamed up almost exclusively for tourists. Take a look at this site for a more detailed look at the facts. In this case, “scam” might be pushing it – you’ll still get a tattoo, you just might pay over the odds, and miss out on a great experience.
What if I just want a regular tattoo?
In this case, there’s plenty of fantastic artists in Thailand – just do your research before committing.
Does it hurt?
Well, it’s a tattoo. An expert practitioner he may be, but the monk is still stabbing you with a sharp needle a few times a second. In fairness, for me, it hurt less than I expected it to, but your mileage may vary.
Can I choose my own design?
Yes! While we were in the waiting area, two people came in separately enquiring whether the monk chooses for you. Perhaps in some places this is the case, but whilst the sacred text may differ slightly, the design is chosen by you.
How much does it cost?
Different sak yant studios will have different prices, but in the case of Chiang Mai Sak Yant, prices are all on the website and very transparent.
If you were considering a traditional Thai tattoo, we hope this post has helped. Have you had a tattoo in Thailand before? What were your experiences? Let us know in the comments below!
