Day 80
It was just after the Lantern Festival had culminated on a warm night in Chiang Mai. I had met up with my friend Yvonne and admired her back tattoo as we walked to a local bar to bond over Changs. We got on the topic of tattoos and I admitted to her that I had twice made an appointment to get some ink, and twice backed out, deciding that what I thought I wanted ultimately lacked enough meaning to carry on my person forever.
This was when I heard about the magical monk tattoo, and finally felt I might have found the perfect tattoo for me – something that had a deeper meaning than any other tattoo could possibly possess.
The Sak Yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra, 55km outside of Bangkok, is performed by a monk in exchange for a small donation of flowers, cigarettes, and incense that is then recycled and sold again in order to keep the wat afloat. In exchange, the monk considers which of the 80-something San Yant symbols would best suit your needs, and where on the body it belongs. Without any prior discussion, he then gets to work.
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His tools are a long bamboo pole, and ink made from snake’s venom, Chinese charcoal ink, and palm oil.
We made plans to meet again in a few weeks in Bangkok, and get the tattoo done by Luang Pi Nunn, who we later realized is considered the most famous monk in Bangkok to perform this art.
Flash forward several weeks: I awoke at the ripe hour of 4:30am to meet up with Yvonne to get our tattoos done.
Oh, who am I kidding? I was too excited/scared to sleep at all.
Aware of just how popular Wat Bang Phra is amongst locals to get their Sak Yant tattoos, we knew we had to catch the 6am bus that leaves from the Victory Monument in Bangkok in order to be first in line.
We got to the temple seamlessly after alighting the bus and catching a delightful moto-taxi ride through rice paddies as the red sun was rising.
We arrived at the wat, a little unsure what to do next. A little Thai man roused from his slumber and helped us purchase our offerings for 65 baht, then handed us pink envelopes to put additional offerings into. In all, I donated 120 baht (USD$4 –not bad for a tattoo!).
I somehow ended up at the front of the queue. There were about 15 of us in the room – locals, Yvonne and myself. I had wanted Yvonne to go first, given she already has tattoos and therefore would naturally be less anxious than I would be (right?).
However, I was beckoned by the monk, and there was no turning back. I crawled into position, bent over a pyramid pillow, and dug my nails into my arm so that I would be able to focus my pain on another area. Two men on either side of me held my skin taut while the monk, a piece of paper separating his hand from my skin, as he can’t touch female flesh, dipped his long bamboo needle into ink.
The tapping began. We had not pre-discussed what he was going to do. We had not selected a precise location – he just went for it, I knew from the beginning that I had to put faith in his design choice and placement based on his interpretation of my aura – based on his opinion of what blessing I needed most. I knew that I would have no say in what tattoo I got or where.
Ten minutes and roughly 3,000 strikes later, I had a new tattoo. I had expected the pain to be out of this world, but in reality, it has nothing on recovering from a shoulder surgery. I’d give it a 7/10 on the pain scale. It was therapeutic, in a way, and only lasted for ten or so minutes.
As he finished, he blew on the tattoo to breathe power into it as he chanted a blessing. He then moved on to Yvonne unto whom he bestowed the same tattoo. Though we were not allowed to take pictures in the room where the process takes place, I snuck one of Yvonne quickly with my iPhone.
When hers was finished, we left the room and excitedly took pictures of each other’s tattoos to so that we could see our fresh ink for the first time. Both looked amazing. He had given us the Hah Taew.
Though I will need to get the exact wording translated, as each monk has his own version of the Hah Taew, it generally bestows a blessing of loving kindness, lifelong success, charm, good luck, and protection against bad luck and evil spirits.
This was easily one of the most magical and enduring parts of my journey so far. I will forever remember the beauty of the day and the uplifting feeling of the blessing. After all, how can I forget? I’ll carry this reminder on my shoulder forever.
Have you had a spiritual experience while traveling? Comment below!
2015 UPDATE: I’ve recently been informed that the main monk who gives tattoos has switched to a gun rather than a bamboo needle. His poor wrists have gotten too tired.
Therefore, if you want a bamboo tattoo, I’d highly recommend meeting with an ajarn — a monk in training — which takes place in a much cleaner environment, gives you an opportunity to discuss which tattoo you’ll receive, and still ends with a blessing. The experience sounds absolutely amazing and is probably how I’ll get any future Sak Yant tattoos. Click here to book an ajarn tattoo session in Bangkok or in Chiang Mai.
2013 UPDATE: I’ve had all kinds of emails from readers so I just want to answer some commonly asked questions:
No, you do not make an appointment, you just have to show up. No, it’s not a new needle. No, you do not communicate with the monk. It will not be a new needle, and you do not get to choose the tattoo you’ll be given!
Would I take the risk again? No, I would not. I have had blood work done long since getting the tattoo and have come out fine, but I have to say, I was sweating that one a bit and realize now that, despite how amazing the experience was, it’s not worth catching a disease.
Most importantly, please remember, this is not just a souvenir, it’s something that has deep spiritual meaning. Please read this post carefully and understand the customs before you go. Happy traveling!
Read Next: The Ultimate Thailand Guide
Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel
For a complete A-to-Z guide on solo female travel, check out my book, Conquering Mountains. Besides discussing many of the practical tips of preparing and planning your trip, the book addresses the fears, safety, and emotional concerns we women have about traveling alone, featuring my advice and over 20 interviews with other solo female travel writers and wanderers. It also has money-saving advice from the experts, info on working on the road, and everything you need to make planning your trip of a lifetime a quick and painless process! Click here to learn more about the book and start reading it today!
Laura says
Love this Ava and so glad you are happy with your tattoo. I don’t think I could ever like something long enough to have it permanently which is why I have yet to get a tattoo. But this sounds like a cool experience!
Kristin Addis says
Glad I like it, too! It helped that the same guy did my friend Ian’s back and I saw his prior. I could tell the artistry was good.
john says
how can this be done by a real monk.ALL Thai monks are forbiden to touch a female except in a live saving situation
Kristin says
Right. I noted right in the blog post: “Two men on either side of me held my skin taut while the monk, a piece of paper separating his hand from my skin, as he can’t touch female flesh, dipped his long bamboo needle into ink.”
He didn’t actually touch me.
Britany Robinson says
love it! The brother of my homestay “Dad” in Thailand was a traditional Thai tattoo artist and he gave me one on my wrist. They’re so unique and special and the perfect way to remember a trip to Thailand!
Kristin Addis says
I’d love to see it! Do you have photos of it up on the interwebs?
The Blond travels says
Oh wow! It looks amazing!
Kristin Addis says
Thank you 🙂
Christina says
I LOVE this!! I can’t believe it only took 10 minutes – it’s so intricate! You are brave, cause I would be really scared not being able to choose where the tattoo goes, but I love where he put yours!
Kristin Addis says
Everyone is shocked he did it so quickly! I guess most people with this tattoo suffered an hour plus.
Abby says
I just got a tattoo while traveling through Japan, I’ve also gotten one in South Korea, but I have to say that yours is very lovely and the story makes it even more special. Thanks for sharing an inked abroad story!
Kristin Addis says
photos please! would love to see it!
Ashley of Ashley Abroad says
What an incredible story! The tattoo is absolutely gorgeous. You’re so brave, I don’t know if I could have done this!
Kristin Addis says
Thank you 🙂
Lindsay Hogg says
That is so cool! Good for you guys for doing this. I doubt I would be that brave!
Kristin Addis says
I could kind of tell by the stamp he put on my back and the location that he was going to give me the ha thaew, I had about a split second to recognize it before he got started, but it was the one I had wanted after all.
123seminarsonly.com says
It seems you Enjoy this Trip.Really a nice place…
Kristin Addis says
It’s been great so far 🙂
123seminarsonly.com says
Woow.. Coool.. Do you ever been to India or Kerala?
Kristin Addis says
I have not but it’s definitely on my list!
123seminarsonly.com says
🙂 You are most welcome to Kerala… I am sure you will like Kerala.. 🙂
Lauren says
Wow! Love it! How safe is it though, in terms of the spike they use… is hasn’t been in anyone else’s skin has it?
Kristin Addis says
Honestly, he does use the same one on everyone and cleans it in-between. This is why I was really happy to go first – before anyone else had been tattooed. Ian Ord’s blog which I linked above goes into the safety a lot more. He did a lot of research before getting his done a few months ago and decided that it was safe enough to get done after speaking to some medical professionals. Still a risk, though.
Lauren says
Thanks so much, looks like an incredible experience.
JustChuckinIt says
Welcome to the club darling!!! So happy you finally got inked, and I don’t think there is any better way than to do that. What a beautiful blessing and so fitting of your personality. I’m definitely going to be getting a bamboo tattoo when I am in SE Asia.
Kristin Addis says
Thanks much, dude 🙂
Cale says
How do you book an appointment for a Sak yant tattoo ?
Kristin says
If you want to visit an ajarn you can follow the link on the page. If you to go the wat you can’t book an appointment.
Trudy says
Wow, this is a gorgeous story. I love the end tattoo and would love to get one. Maybe one day… haha still a bit nerve wracking for me I think!
Kristin Addis says
It was for me too. I didn’t sleep at all the night before because I was so nervous and excited!
Julie Kesti says
so cool! i’ve read about these magic tattoos, but never a detailed story of someone getting one. fascinating. were the other people there mostly men, or do women typically get them as well? thanks for sharing your story!
Kristin Addis says
It’s mostly men who get them, though there were some other women there as well. It’s actually somewhat common for women to get an “invisible” tattoo, with just oil instead of ink, because it’s not always desirable for Thai women to have visible tattoos. We were sure to specify that we wanted ink!
Jack Denial says
Love your tattoo
Kristin Addis says
Thank you 🙂
Sarah Henry says
I’m going to Thailand and thinking of getting a Sak Yant Tattoo as well. I love the meaning behind it. How do you know what to do ritually (approaching the monk and the offering, etc.)?
Kristin Addis says
The other people in the room motioned to me when it was time to bow, etc. They were very sweet and understanding.
Rojin says
Hey Kristin
I’m in chiang mai and want to get a sak yant as I have for years. Is there NO possibility that you can choose what yantra and placement? Hmmm
admin says
Chances are good it will be placed somewhere on your upper back. They don’t do below the waist. You can try showing the monk a photo of the one you want and hope he’ll comply. I just decided that I liked all of them and would be happy no matter what. Another thing you can do is visit a tattoo artist if you want total control, however, you lost the meaning in that case.
I’m sure whatever you or the monk chooses, you’ll be happy with the final product 🙂
Danielle says
loved your post! I am hoping to be returning to Thailand (Was there Nov/Dec 2012) April/May 2014! Getting a Sak Yant is on my to do list as I just love the story/history behind it all!
I know it is common for women to get the Sak Yant in oil as opposed to ink- were you able to let them know you wanted ink prior or was it determined by the monk?
Thank-you!
admin says
It is common for women to get the sak yant with oil as you mentioned. The monk seemed to know that since we were foreigners, we were probably seeking one with ink, and he squirted ink into the cup he used to dip the needle in. You could always point to ink if it looks to you like he’s going for oil.
Sean says
Cool ink and story. I’m an American martial artist going there for the first time in June and want to he ink done also. I want mine in a certain place, did the monk when u were there comply with such request? Also, what about the needles/ink sterilization? Thanks for any info
admin says
I didn’t ask him for a specific place, but you can always try. I don’t want to say he’ll do it because I am really not sure if he will or not! As for sterilization, he cleans the bamboo needle between each person, but not use a new needle. Needless to say I was glad to have gone first.
dede says
so glad that i’ve found your blog,
wanna get a sak yant at bang phra too, but confuse whether woman can get one or not by the ajarn, some says cant but other say yes you can.
so , on my next trip to bkk, definetly will go to bang phra !
Lindsey says
This is awesome! I’m into tattoos, especially religious tattoos, and I’m going to study abroad in Chiang Mai for 4 months this fall. Were there certain days that the monk would tattoo that I should be aware of? Also how was your healing?
Thanks for any info!
Lindsey P
Kristin says
I think he tattoos every day. Healing was pretty easy, given it’s a bamboo tattoo. Within three or so days you’re good to swim and within ten you should be almost completely healed. It feels like a bad sunburn at first but that subsides with time.
Camille says
Hello! I love reading your stories! i found your blog when i was looking on the internet about yantra tattoos! I really want to get one the way you did, but obviously people told me it was very dangerous, you could get any kind of disease! did you have any trouble? also did you put any cream on it after? Thank you for your answers! i’ll be in BKK in august i can’t wait! 🙂
Kristin says
Hey Camille,
It’s a risk for sure, but I’ve been fine. I put benpanthen on after.
Bell | Wanderlust Marriage says
Wow, what an amazing experience, thank you for sharing. I’d be anxious about it, but it really does sound like such a special experience. Thank you for sharing.
Kristin says
was very special 🙂
Liron says
i like ur tattoo.
Based on ur experience, for women to go for such tattoo, what is best for her wear? As i know the men will remove their shirt. is there any translator when you went to temple?
Kristin says
I wore a button-down shirt backwards and undid the top few buttons when it was my turn. There is no translator. There are no words exchanged anyways. He just does what he feels like doing!
Vince says
Hi is there any full address ? or just tell the taxi driver will do & they know where to bring us? the monk do there everyday?
Kristin says
Hey Vince,
If there is a fixed address I’m honestly not aware of it. The motorbike taxi I described should know exactly where “wat bang phra” is. To my knowledge the monk is there daily, yes. I’m thinking on religious holidays it’s not open, but I’m really not sure.
Vince says
tks. was thinking wheather can book a taxi from bbk to & flow.
Kristin says
I”m sure you can
Chris says
Hi there, sounds amazing!
Going tiget this done myself in a few weeks, just a quick one, how easy is it get back from he temple to bangkok when your done?
Thanks
Kristin says
Really easy. Just hop on the bus that’s right outside of the wat. It starts running later in the day.
Hemant says
I got a tattoo the day I turned 18. I love tattoos because they can help you express yourself. I plan on getting lots of other tattoos in the future. Hopefully I can get my second one soon.
Reema says
Hi I am headed to Thailand in april for two to three weeks, just wondering how long between getting the design of the tattoo and getting it done did you wait? Is two weeks enough time? Loved this post, inspired me to get one seems so peaceful and beautiful.
Kristin says
The answers to your questions are all in the post. It all happened within 15 minutes, as I wrote, and the designs are standard designs that have been around for centuries.
Dean says
Kristin absolutely fantastic. Staying in Bangkok for 2 more days but going to go tomorrow and hopefully get done. glad i found your web gunna bookmark you thanks
Alana says
Great story – a friend and I are going to get it this weekend. Not sure if you answered above, but are there photos displayed to find out what it means?
Thanks!
Anonymous says
Love the tattoo. I’m headed this this winter and plan to do this also. Do you know if these tattoos fade more than the “typical” tattoos? I read that there are no confirmed cases of HIV from these tatoos. i hope this is true! *crossing fingers*
Renee says
Love the tattoo! Heading there this winter and planning to do this. Do you know if these tatoos fade more than usual ones?
Ari Chatz says
Cool tattoo idea. Always a good idea to choose something unique. It will serve as a permanent reminder of your trip.
Richard says
There must be other Wats where the tattoos are done with disposable needles…the risk of HIV transmission is just too high…I had a Thai friend covered with tattoos who suddenly became a skeleton with AIDS…
I am staying in Bangkok, do you know of another Wat where the needles are each time new?
Kristin says
That’s how the wats operate, but if you want a tattoo with a new needle just visit a tattoo artist. You lose the authenticity but it’s a trade off. I’m not sure if we should point to the tattoos as the reason for the AIDS but it’s always a risk.
Liz Fischer says
I read women must have transparent ink?? Is this true??
Kristin says
Haha, well, if you just look at the photos in this post it will answer your question.
Some Thai women just want the blessing and not the ink, so they ask to have it done in oil instead. When foreigners go, the monks know they want ink, so they do it in ink.
Nancy Nguyen says
Hi I’m taking a trip to Thailand this summer and wanted to get a Sak Yant tattoo at the same place. I was wondering if I could specify where I want my tattoo because I’m trying to do a cover up of an old tattoo so hopefully they’ll be able to do it where I want it done? What hotel did you stay at? I’m trying to find a hotel close to the place
Kristin says
No you can’t specify where. I don’t think the monk would cover an existing tattoo. There aren’t really hotels nearby, you have to head 55km outside of bangkok to get there. I honestly think you might prefer a tattoo artist since you want to be specific
Mark says
Nice tattoo but too bad you had to disrespect them by “sneaking” a picture. Well, it is all about you.
Kristin says
Lots of people have taken pictures and even video of the process. I have the utmost of respect for them.
Nicole says
Hello. You mentioned something about a stamp? So the monk has a stencil type thing he uses before he starts?
And did you notice most people (esp females) getting the same tattoo as you? Thanks 🙂
Kristin says
Yes and yes. Lots of people have this tattoo and that sometimes bothers me.
5arx says
“Though we were not allowed to take pictures in the room where the process takes place, I snuck one of Yvonne quickly with my iPhone.”
Good to see you displayed the proper respect for the monks’ customs while getting your bargain $4 tattoo.
Kristin says
They request that you don’t, but if you look at just about every post on the subject, full videos have been made. I have the utmost of respect for the monks and what they do.
johny says
Wow these tattoos looks amazing ,These tattoos are from Buddhism culture & today i also checked some Hindu Culture tattoos ,They was also awesome
Katia says
Hi, i’m katia and i’ll go to thailand on the next november
i would like to make a tattoo in Wat Bang Phra.
I would like to know if they make tattoo all day long or if they make them up to a precise time.
I think to go on my last day in Thailand but i’ll not be there before 11.30 a.m and i don’t know if i can do it.
Do you have more informations about this (the closing time).
thanks a lot
katia.
Kristin says
I don’t know what time it closes but if you don’t get there until 11:30 you risk not getting a tattoo because the queue will be hours long by then.
Katia says
Thanks for you reply …
i really hope to be there in time.
have a nice day
thank you
Anonymous says
I want to do this tattoo so bad but im so scared of getting a disease since they dont used new tools.
Kristin says
I’d suggest visiting an ajarn – a monk in training.
Veronicka says
well ,i’ve been really interested in sak yant and i’ve read alot of different stories of different peoples experiences and i wanted to know, how do you deal with the “rules” that go with your sak yant and i heard that every year you have to get it reblessed or something like that, do you do something like that or no?
Thank you and lovely post by the way!
Kristin says
That is one of the many rules. There’s a big ceremony each March at the temple where people do this. It’s up to you of course how strict you’ll be with it, depending on if it’s aesthetic for you or deeply spiritual and religious.
Jessica says
$4 I couldn’t stop thinking bout that and ya kinda lost me do u think u could spare it!
Rich - RichyFeet says
Wow, what a special experience this sounds like. I’ve visited Thai temples and they are amazing, spiritual places so can only imagine how this day must have felt. 🙂
Kristin says
It was so spiritual and calming, yet exhilarating.
Marah Howles says
Nice tattoo dear.. but I was more impressed in the man’s tattoo all over his body. For me, I can’t dare to try even a single hit of the tattoo pin in my body.. LOL
Karen says
Hi Kristin, This was a great article! This has been on my bucket list for quite a long time. I will be in Bankok in a few weeks and would like to have the same experience. However, heeding all of your warnings, I’m curious about the äftereffects of the tattoo. Did you have any unusual side effects? I have heard that these can sometimes cause trancelike state or reaction to chemicals used in the ink.
Kristin says
That didn’t happen with me. I can definitely help you find an ajarn who uses synthetic ink and a clean needle if you’d like, though. Feel free to email me: addis.kristin@gmail.com
Paul Renwick says
You should be ashamed of yourself for donating so little money to the temple for receiving so much in return.
Kristin says
Paul, they only ask for a 120 baht donation. That’s what everyone pays. They aren’t in it to make money, they want to bless people. Did you ever think it might be an insult to put a huge amount of money forth when they’re only asking for a small amount? Why should I pay more than the locals? Because I’m a foreigner? I don’t support that notion. It’s a communal pot and everyone is watching. I think it’s important to better understand the concept before making such remarks.
I’ll also point out I was part of a blogger effort that donated thousands of dollars to elephant conservation in Thailand earlier this year. I do help out and give back, and certainly realize Thailand has given me very much in return.
Kaitlyn says
On the Wat Bang Phra temple wikipedia page it says:
“Upon entering the Wat, one of the first things a person sees on the wall is a very large banner of tattoos available. Unless there is a specific choice requested, the monk will begin with a simple tattoo at the top of the back.”
Are you sure you weren’t able to choose your design? I want to get a tattoo here but I want a choice. I wouldn’t think the information on wiki to be incorrect..
Kristin says
Am I sure I didn’t choose my design? Yes, I’m sure. I don’t lie on my blog. There would be no point in that.
I suppose if you can speak Thai you can make a request but everyone I know who has gone had the same experience that I did – the monk chose and there was no discussion. I did see the banner but he doesn’t ask you first if you have something picked out. My friend Ian did show him a photo of a design he wanted and ended up walking out with that tattoo. Of course, you lose some of the novelty of the monk choosing for you, which I thought was cool. If you want to be able to speak English and choose a design I’d suggest an ajarn.
Kaitlyn says
I wasn’t implying you lied. I asked if you were sure you “weren’t able to choose”, I wasn’t questioning that you didn’t choose. There was a banner posted on the wiki page, so I’m sure some can choose if they are aware they can. Many do allow the monk to choose because that is part of the experience, however they have many tattoos to do, and I find myself thinking they may choose the smaller designs to get through people quicker. However I haven’t been yet and this may not be the case with all monks.
I think I will go with an Ajarn in Chiang Mai. The link you posted for the Ajarn in Bangkok is quite expensive, paying $600 USD for a tattoo done by an Ajarn is quite expensive compared to the $3-$5 tattoo done by the monks.
Kristin says
True but I would’t bargain hunt for something that’s on my body forever and I do mention that it’s not a new needle if you go to the monk. I honestly don’t know how easy it is to choose the design. There wasn’t any indication it was a possibility when I was there. It’s also common to go in a sort of order. Best of luck whatever you end up doing.
Nicole says
Hi Kristin. I went to Wat Bang Phra January 30th, 2015 with my daughter and her friend. My daughter’s friend got a Sak Yant. I don’t know which monk performed it but when it was her turn she did not get to choose the placement or the tattoo she received. Just in case anyone was questioning this. Her Sak Yant was placed on her upper right arm. She gave a donation of 200 baht, flowers, cigarettes and incense.
Kristin says
Yep, I noted that as well in the post. You don’t get to choose.
Laurie says
Hello The link you posted to join The disciple is only a PayPal link no adress ! So i would Like to know ( before spending 250$) if you might know the place where we can find the monk ?
Kristin says
Nope it’s a link to my friend Ian’s website which discusses the session, what you can expect, and how to book. It’s near Bangkok and he’s the one who knows where the location is. The ajarn is moving towards only accepting bookings through Ian since he has had some people show up who weren’t respectful. Similar problems have arisen at this wat and I feel partially responsible. Due to this I won’t be giving out the address.
Hadley says
Hi Kristin. I saw your 2015 update that the head monk at Wat Bang Phra has switched to a gun, but I was wondering if whoever sent you that information gave any indication as to whether or not there are still traditional bamboo needles being done at the temple, just by different artists. Thanks! Yours looks incredible.
Kristin says
When I was there he was the only one giving the tattoos. This was someone who visited the wat and reported back that only a gun tattoo was available. You could still check it out for the experience, just to see, but that’s what I was told.
Donna says
Hi Kristin,
I’m going to Thailand in a few weeks and I was wondering if your Sak Yant has faded over time? Also has having it on your back been mostly convenient?
Kristin says
Nope they’re still good. upper back is easy to hide and a nice place for a tattoo, I think.
Donna says
Hi again,
I just got my Sak Yant a couple days ago and I love it! I watched the video of your friends Chris and Tawny and actually received the same Sak Yant as Tawny. Definitely an amazing experience. I’m reading through all your posts to decide where I should travel next. Thailand was my first solo journey, but I already want to plan the next one. Any suggestions for a 20 year old? Thank you so much for your insight and all the stories you’ve shared.
Kristin says
Cambodia! Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos are great too. You can’t go wrong in SEA.
As for the rules, I still eat leftovers and gourd foods. The alcohol one wasn’t one of the rules from Wat Bang Phra, but I see it this way: there are rules in every religion. Most people don’t or can’t follow each and every one. It’s up to you.
Donna says
Also, I was curious as to whether you followed the rules after getting a Sak Yant such as no alcohol? The rules seem kind of loose for interpretation, but I want to make sure I’m respectful. The guides I had made it sound like I could drink but not get drunk and I would like to know how you interpreted the rules.
Gerald Vonberger says
Wow, that’s a really unique style of tattoo! I’m not a huge tattoo person, but I like the ones that have a meaning. I would definitely go in for a tattoo like this, especially if it was done by someone from that culture. I think they look really nice too.
Kristin says
Glad you like it! I hear that a lot “I don’t usually like tattoos but I like yours”
What an awesome compliment!
Kierstin Williams says
Hey I love your story, I am actually planning on traveling to Thailand this summer. I was wondering if you got to choose where you wanted it.Thanks!
Kristin says
You do not, it always goes on the upper back unless your upper back is full which is why Yvonne has hers on her arm
Isaac Franklin says
Yeaaa buuudy rearing up for my trip also im going to get one onn the back of my neck 🙂 -_-V
Ryan says
Hi, so I was wondering, do they have monk in training there, that still use bamboo, or is he the only one who gives the yant.
Kristin says
I’m unsure. I know that LPN has switched to a gun for sure, though. Two people have verified.
Elisa says
Hi Kristin, I came across your blog as I decided to get a Sak Yant tattoo. Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m a woman and have no other tattoos. I only want the 5 line Hah Taew on my shoulder blade area. How can I be sure that I will get that one? Also, do you think there is a big risk contracting a disease? Do you think I minimize the chances if I’m the first one in line in the morning as you did? any advice will be appreciated E
Kristin says
Hi Elisa, As you’ll see at the bottom in the updated section, you can’t be sure you’ll get that one, and you can’t really minimize your chances of getting a disease without being first, but that’s not guaranteed. Also, the monk uses a gun and not bamboo these days. I’d suggest an ajarn if you want to pick the tattoo.
Daisy Leon says
Hi Kristin,
Great article! i did have one question, before getting a Sak Yant, are you able to discuss certain things about your past/current struggles in life with the monk? I ask because I feel that would help personalize the tattoo that the monk decides to do. I moved to Surat Thani a week ago and have been looking at different articles regarding Sak Yants.
Thanks,
Daisy
Kristin says
If you go to an ajarn you can do that, but if you go to this particular monastery you won’t be able to talk with the monk beforehand and you can’t choose what you get. Your fate is in his hands.
Alice Teacake says
I came across your post before deciding to take the plunge myself! I’m so happy I did it and like you recommended, I took my time to really research what was available in Chiang Ma so that I was getting a safe, personal and truly spiritual tattoo. I’m so happy that society is opening up more to the idea that women can receive these blessings too. We deserve it!
Kristin says
LOVE the yant you ended up with! Now you have me wanting to go back and get more, and I just swore I’d stop getting tattoos after finishing a big one on my side 😉
Cookie says
Hi Kristin
I clicked the link to book an appointment with an ajarn but it says the page is unavailable. Is there a way I can still book an appointment? I plan on going to Thailand for the Summer and I want a tattoo. If there’s any resources you can give me I would appreciate it so much. Thank you!
Kristin says
Hi Cookie, I’ve fixed it now. There are two possible options- one in Bangkok and one in Chiang Mai: http://wheresidewalksend.com/shop/travel/freestyle/bangkok-sak-yant-original/?connect=4, http://wheresidewalksend.com/shop/travel/freestyle/lanna-sak-yant-chiang-mai-original/?connect=4
Brittany says
There are “service companies” that are charging crazy amounts of money to take people to get tattooed. I know it should cost $2-3 and the companies want $250. How did you make an appointment with a monk? Or do people just show up? I am going to Chiang Mai and I would like to figure out how to make this happen on my own; not using a service company. Any advice would be appreciated! 🙂
Kristin says
It costs $3-ish at the wat itself but as I noted, that’s not a clean needle. If you want a tattoo with an appointment and time from the monk it costs what a normal tattoo costs.
Carlo says
Nice article, the process though is a bit risky. I agree that it is not just a souvenir it is more than that.
Lord Jesuch says
Any sacred tattoo will last for a few years only. The divine power was embedded in the black ink. So do not be a fool by any ajarn. They do not have any power in their hands.
Elaine Cresi says
Our other that these tattoos are of Buddhist culture that I am a born follower, I have two and I intend to do the third … very good article.
Rieanna says
Hello! I am going to thailand and vietnam soon and would love to get one of these tattoos but a friend of mine has said I should not get one unless I get a Hep B jab? Did you get one or think that it is necessary for me to get one?
Your tattoo is beautiful and has only made me want one more haha, thanks!
Kristin says
I think it’s necessary for traveling in general but that isn’t the one you have to worry about with these, that’s Hep C which there is no immunization for.
Lord Jesuch says
A very good maintained amulet can contain divine power for a century. But the very good sacred tattoo will last for a few years only. The divine power, embedded in the black ink , will be gradually degenerated by many contacting materials such as cloth, water etc.. It’s the same as magnet has lost the power with the contacting metal. And don’t be a fool by any ajarn, they don’t have any power in their palm. If they knock your head, it means they just want to have fun with your head. There are plenty of nasty monks with this kind of behavior. Mostly they are the orphan who has to become monk since their childhood or unemployed person who can survived in the competitive world.
Darryl Johnston says
You’ll be blessed to have a Sak Yant Tattoo especially if it really performed by the Buddhist Monks! Got more interested in this traditional thai tattoo. Thanks for the information!