Get a Monk Tattoo in Thailand: Guidance, Designs, and Location

Get a Monk Tattoo in Thailand: Guidance, Designs, and Location

Experiencing a Monk Tattoo in Thailand: Pain, Tradition, and Magic

Over 40 people watched silently as a renowned Thai monk repeatedly pierced my skin like a sewing machine. His Sak Yant needle sent waves of intense pain into my back.Traditional Sak Yant (also known as Yantra) tattoos are hand-etched using ancient geometric designs combined with Buddhist prayers.

These tattoos are believed to bestow magical powers related to healing, luck, strength, and protection against evil.

Sak Yant tattoos have a history of over 2000 years.Buddhist monks originally inscribed Sak Yant on warriors seeking protection and strength in battle.

They often covered their entire bodies with these magical symbols to prevent knives and arrows from penetrating their skin.While traveling around Southeast Asia with my backpack, I learned about these tattoos from fellow travelers and thought it would be a unique experience.

 

Sak Yants: My Very First Monk Tattoo

I had never gotten a tattoo before. I always knew that if I ever did, it had to be special—not a result of a drunken dare.

When I discovered the magic-infused Sak Yant tattoos given by Buddhist monks in Thailand, I was intrigued.

The more I learned, the more I wanted one.

Sak Yant designs are created without machines. These traditional Thai tattoos are etched into the skin with a long metal spike or sharpened bamboo.

The needle is dipped in ink and manually jabbed through your flesh.

Monks often choose a sacred design and the location of your tattoo based on your aura. This sounded perfect!

I’ve always struggled to pick a tattoo, so why not let a monk decide for me?

 

Wat Bang Phra Temple: The Best Place for a Monk Tattoo

The premier location in Thailand for receiving a Sak Yant tattoo is Wat Bang Phra, a Buddhist temple situated about 40 minutes west of Bangkok.

For centuries, this temple has been a pilgrimage site for Thais seeking the protection of a magical tattoo, drawing them from far and wide.

Wat Bang Phra is also home to Thailand's most renowned Sak Yant monk, Master Luang Pi Nunn.

The temple grounds feature a series of beautifully ornate structures surrounded by colorful statues. I made my way to the tattoo building located at the back.

 

Cigarettes as Tattoo Payment?

Outside the entrance, I bought a temple offering for 75 baht ($2.40 US), consisting of orchid flowers, incense sticks, and menthol cigarettes. After removing my shoes, I headed inside.

Everyone is expected to present these simple gifts to the monk as payment for a Sak Yant tattoo.

The items are recycled for repeated use, with the sales proceeds aiding temple upkeep.

You should also make an additional donation to the monk for your Sak Yant.

An elderly Thai man led me into a dimly lit room filled with dusty golden Buddha statues. Photos of King Rama IX and elder monks decorated the walls.

Ceiling fans whirred slowly, but the room remained hot with 30 to 40 people inside.

 

Waiting for My Sak Yant

I wasn't the only one seeking a tattoo that day. Master Luang Pi Nunn is highly sought after, etching up to 50 Sak Yant tattoos daily. Arriving late may mean missing out.

Due to a miscommunication with a moto-taxi driver, I arrived an hour later than planned. I had to wait my turn and hope for the best.

I found a spot on the floor and tried to get comfortable for the next 4 hours. The long wait allowed me to observe many others receiving their tattoos.

Eventually, Luang Pi Nunn took a break while the rest of us sat in silence, listening to birds and cats outside. By then, I was up front with a clear view of his tattoo workspace — and it was quite a sight!

 

Monk Tattoo Safety: Understanding the Risks of Sak Yant

The safety of Sak Yant tattoos is debatable and can be risky. The needle is usually wiped with an alcohol pad after each tattoo or placed in a bottle of alcohol while a separate needle is used for the next person. However, the same pot of ink is used for everyone, allowing blood to mix with the ink.

This raises the risk of contracting HIV or Hepatitis, though there are no hard statistics available.

After closely inspecting the tools, I felt nervous and briefly considered backing out. This isn't something to do if you prioritize safe travel.

The workspace had cushions surrounded by bloody rolled-up toilet paper, a bucket of inky water, old plastic bottles of rubbing alcohol, and grime-covered walls.

I had watched at least 12 people get jabbed with the same needles, and who knows how many went before I arrived.

But then I thought, if it were truly dangerous, there wouldn't be so many people waiting for one. Right?

Or maybe the room was just full of thrill-seekers with a death wish?

 

Experiencing Monk Tattoos: The Mystique of Snake Venom Ink

I didn’t have long to ponder as the monk soon returned, and it was my turn to help hold the next person’s skin while he worked. This gave me an excellent view of the process. It was mesmerizing to watch.

Suddenly, it was my turn. I took off my shirt, respectfully bowed three times, and turned my back to the monk who was about to repeatedly poke a sharp needle into my skin.

Monks can refuse to work on someone if they don’t take the ritual seriously.

Two local guys held my skin tight as I braced for the first puncture, not knowing what image I was about to receive.

Each monk creates his own special blend of magic tattoo ink. The recipe is secret but is believed to contain Chinese charcoal, snake venom, palm oil, and even human remains!

 

Enduring the Pain of a Monk Tattoo

When the needle first punctured my skin, it felt like a bee sting, followed by a swarm of bees attacking.

My muscles tensed, and I began to sweat, squeezing a pillow in my lap while trying to look tough for the 40 Thais watching the foreigner for any signs of weakness.

Surprisingly, it didn’t hurt as much as I expected. I feared my eyes would water or, worse, I’d pass out in front of everyone.

But after only 10 minutes and a thousand needle strikes, my new Sak Yant was nearly finished!

To complete the sacred tattoo, Luang Pi Nunn chanted a Kataa (magic spell) and blew it into the design, unleashing its power.

 

Yant Gao Yord: My Sacred Monk Tattoo

The tattoo given to me by the monk is called the Gao Yord, or 9 Spire. This powerful and sacred tattoo is believed to protect the wearer from violent physical attacks and magical assaults, and it also brings good luck.

The 9 spires represent the 9 peaks of Mount Meru, a legendary mountain from Buddhist and Hindu mythology considered the center of the universe.

Atop each peak sits a small Buddha, with spirals above them symbolizing the path to enlightenment.

Inside the boxes are symbols written in Khom, an ancient Cambodian script, but the language is Pali Sanskrit. The mantra is mirrored on each side, reading: Gu Ti Gu Ya Tha Saa Wae Taa Saa Gu – Gu Gu Ti Saa Tha Ya Gu Saa Taa Wae.

Special Rules for My Sak Yant

Apparently, my Sak Yant comes with 11 special rules:

  1. I can’t eat star fruit, pumpkin, or any other gourd vegetable.
  2. I can’t have a lover who’s already married.
  3. It’s absolutely forbidden to slander anyone’s mother.
  4. I can’t eat food from a wedding or funeral banquet.
  5. I can’t eat leftovers.
  6. I shouldn’t duck under a washing line or an overhanging building.
  7. I definitely shouldn’t duck under a Thaanii banana tree.
  8. I can’t cross a single-head bridge; large or small bridges are not forbidden.
  9. I shouldn’t sit on a ceramic urn, especially a cracked or broken one.
  10. I can’t let a woman lie on top of me or sit on top either.
  11. I can’t brush by the blouse or skirt of a woman, especially during her menstruation period.

Would I Get Another Monk Tattoo?

Yes, absolutely. I might even get another one. The magic of a Sak Yant tattoo needs to be replenished annually with a fresh blessing by the monk, so I’ll have to return eventually.

Thai people from all walks of life take Sak Yant tattoos very seriously. You’ll see these sacred designs on soldiers, doctors, monks, actors, politicians, and even criminals.

Women can get them too. Angelina Jolie is probably the most famous example.

Since monks can’t touch female flesh, they use a cloth or gloves to avoid direct contact.

Some choose an invisible tattoo, using palm oil instead of dark ink.

I'm very happy with my Sak Yant; it was an unforgettable experience, and I now have a permanent souvenir on my back!

Sak Yant Tattoo Details

The monastery is located in Nakhon Chai Si, Thailand.

My Sak Yant tattoo cost ฿75 THB (about $2.50 USD) plus an additional personal donation. However, over the years, it has become more commercialized, and prices have increased significantly.

I've heard from others that it has lost some authenticity, and often actual monks are no longer performing the tattoos.

Where To Get True Monk Tattoo Thailand ?

1. Wat Bang Phra (วัดบางพระ)

Located near Bangkok, Wat Bang Phra is one of the most famous temples for Sak Yant tattoos. Monks at this temple have been practicing Sak Yant for generations, and it’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking spiritual tattoos.

 

2. Wat Sam Ngam (วัดสามง่าม)

Another well-known temple for Sak Yant tattoos is Wat Sam Ngam, located in Nakhon Pathom province. The monks here are highly respected for their skill and the powerful blessings they bestow through their tattoos.

  • Address: Ban Sam Ngam, No. 81, Village No. 5, Sam Ngam Subdistrict, Don Tum District, Nakhon Pathom, postal code 73150
  • Phone: +66 34 381 754

 

3. Ajarn Noo Kanpai (อาจารย์หนู กันภัย) （This is the famous master who did Angelina Jolie's Sak Yant and has tattooed many Hollywood stars.）

Ajarn Noo Kanpai is a famous Sak Yant master based in Bangkok. He has tattooed many celebrities and is known for his expertise and the strong spiritual power of his tattoos.However, his price is high; a basic 5-line Sak Yant costs at least 70,000 Thai Baht.

 

4. Sak Yant In Chiang Mai

For those in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a great place to get a Sak Yant tattoo. There are several reputable Ajarns (masters) and temples in Chiang Mai where you can receive a traditional Sak Yant tattoo.

Wat Doi Suthep (วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ)

Located on a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai, this temple is not only a spiritual landmark but also a place where you can get a Sak Yant tattoo from experienced monks.

 

5. Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai (วัดบางพลีใหญ่ใน)

Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai is another temple near Bangkok known for its Sak Yant tattoos. The monks here are skilled in the traditional art and offer spiritual blessings through their tattoos.

 

6. Wat Bang Praek Tai (วัดบางแพรกใต้)

Wat Bang Praek Tai is located in Nonthaburi and is known for its experienced monks who provide Sak Yant tattoos.

 

7. Wat Khao Tam (วัดเขาตาม)

Located in Surat Thani, Wat Khao Tam is another temple where you can receive a Sak Yant tattoo. The monks here are known for their spiritual power and expertise in Sak Yant.

 

8. Wat Bang Phli Yai Klang (วัดบางพลีใหญ่กลาง)

Located in Samut Prakan, this temple is also known for its Sak Yant tattoos, with monks who have been practicing this art for many years.

  • Address: https://www.facebook

 

9. Ajarn Thoy (อาจารย์ธอย)

Ajarn Thoy is another well-known Sak Yant master based in Bangkok. He is respected for his skill and the spiritual power of his tattoos.

  • Address: 52/4 ซอยบางแวก 69, แขวงบางไผ่, เขตบางแค, กรุงเทพมหานคร 10160, Thailand
  • Phone: +66 81 620 1111
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/arjahn.thoy/

 

 

Authentic Sak Yant Tattoos and Blessings by Real Masters in Chiang Mai

A Sak Yant is not just a tattoo; it's a spiritual experience.

Important Note: Tattoo shops cannot perform authentic Sak Yant.

Sak  Yant Tattoos In Chiang Mai and throughout Thailand, only genuine Sak Yant Masters can provide authentic Sak Yant tattoos with traditional blessings. Regular tattoo studios cannot interpret the sacred script, often resulting in meaningless designs. Many studios sell imitation "Bamboo Tattoos" that lack the true spiritual essence and are easily identified as fakes. Authentic Sak Yant tattoos, performed by Sak Yant Masters, are typically half the cost of those offered by regular tattoo artists.

 

For more information about Sak Yant tattoo, including origins, history, designs and the meanings behind each patterns, taboos, and the divine energy and incantations, click Sakyant.info to learn more.

Souce from own experience and Wikipedia Google Scholar BBC Medium Sak Yant Tattoo in Thailand: All You Need to Know Before You Go – wayward wayfarer

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