Get a Real Bamboo Tattoo in Chiang Mai Thailand
How to get a Bamboo Tattoo in Chiang Mai Thailand | Sak Yant
Looking the Best Bamboo Tattoo in Chiang Mai Thailand? The Best Place to get a Bamboo Tattoo is one that does REAL Sak Yant Tattoos. Sak Yant Chiang Mai is a Cop-op of Local Sak Yant Monks and Masters who have joined together to offer the Authentic Sak Yant Experience for Western Tourists
Are you planning to get a bamboo tattoo Sak Yant in Thailand. If you’re looking for a bamboo tattoo Sak Yant in Chiang Mai, then get one that has real spiritual and cultural significance. The Best Bamboo Tattoo in Chiang Mai is not found at a Tattoo Shop – not where they make imitation replicas of Traditional Thai Tattoos and do not include a Blessing. Resulting in Tattoo’s with errors in them and that and hold no spiritual significance.
The Sak Yant, also known as Yantra Tattoos, Traditional Tattoo, Poke Tattoo and Bamboo Tattoos are sacred and traditional tattoos that have been practiced in Thailand for centuries. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about getting a Sak Yant Bamboo Tattoo in Chiang Mai.
The Difference between a Bamboo Tattoo and a Sak Yant
History of the Bamboo Tattoo in Thailand
You may have the impression that ……. Throughout most of Thailand’s history the vast majority of Traditional Thai Tattoos were a magical and spiritual Sak Yant Tattoo performed by Monks at Temples. These Traditional Thai Tattoo’s were mistakenly reportedly done using a Bamboo Needle using the hand poke method and were sometimes known as a Bamboo Tattoo.
In reality Thailand’s Temples (where Sak Masters learned their trade) has had access to bronze, copper and Jade as well as heavy woods that would make a much better Tattoo device than a bit of Bamboo. The term Traditional Thai Hand Poke Bamboo Tattoo began around 2003 after Angelina Jolie got her Sak Yant. Western media reported this as a ‘Bamboo Tattoo’ and this name was adopted by Tattoo Shops as demand for Sak Yant Tattoo designs increased with tourists.
Tattoo Shop Bamboo Tattoo’s are not at all related to the Traditional Thai Tattoo or Sak Yant despite the the common internet based misconception.
1) What is a Bamboo Tattoo?
Since the early 2000’s the Bamboo Tattoo is a term used almost exclusively by Tattoo Artists in Thailand. Initially Tattoo Shops would proudly promote the use of modern western tattooing machines and hygiene standards. Wanting to distance themselves from the Traditional Thai Tattoo and the Hand Poke Method
Tourist demand for a Sak Yant which they knew from media as a Bamboo Tattoo started to increase. Tattoo Shops would adapt and attach a machine needle to some wood and give the tourists Sak Yant Designs using this hand poke method.
While this started as a Tourist Gimmick, Tattoo Artists in Thailand have since become very skilled at creating body art using the traditional hand poke method which they referred to as the Bamboo Tattoo. Now days the term Bamboo tattoo is a generic term that is used to represent the hand poke method of applying a tattoo.
2) What is a Sak Yant Tattoo?
Sak Yant Tattoos are traditional tattoos in Thailand that have been practiced for over 2,000 years. These tattoos are often created using a long metal rod with a needle attached to the end by a Monk or Sak Yant Ajarn and then blessed with magical incantations
These tattoos are more than just body art; they are considered sacred and are believed to offer spiritual protection to the wearer. The designs of Sak Yant tattoos are based on ancient Buddhist and Hindu traditions and are said to have magical powers that can bring good luck, success, and protection from harm.
The traditional Thai Sak Yant Tattoo consist of 3 components
1) The Design (Which a Tattoo artist can copy)
2) The Magic Script (Tattoo artists can’t read or change this)
3) The Activation Blessing (Tattoo shops don’t even attempt this)
Getting a Real Bamboo Tattoo in Chiang Mai Thailand - Video
Prefer not to read? You can watch this Video which explains how to get a Real Sak Yant Bamboo Tattoo in Thailand
Finding a Sak Yant Master in Chiang Mai Thailand
What is the difference between a Sak Yant Monk and a Sak Yant Ajarn?
Sak Yant Tattoos are done by Sak Yant Masters, which can be either a Monk or an Ajarn. Both Monks and Ajarns must follow a lifestyle of spiritual dedication, including daily meditation, and hundreds of ethical rules. Almost always this spiritual training starts at Buddhist Monasteries as a Monk. Those Monks that show a particular aptitude or interest are able to go to special Temples where in-depth knowledge of spiritual and magical blessings are taught. Almost every Sak Yant Master, becomes a Master while they are still a Monk at a Temple.
The life of a Monk, is not something that appeals to every person as a long term profession. Some men want families, children or a life that offers fulfilling other innate potential. When a Monk decides to move on, but decides they wish to continue living a spiritual life, and one of service to the community – they can become Ajarns.
Sak Yant Bamboo Tattoo from Ajarn Master
- Former Monks, now full time Shamans
- Females OK
- Less formal and more relaxed situation
- Able to take photos and videos
- Sak Yants for personal desires allowed
- Wider range of Magical skills
- Include Thai Magic as well as Buddhist Blessings
Sak Yant Bamboo Tattoo from Monk
- Unable to preform Sak Yant on Females at a Temple (work-arounds available)
- More formal approach, requiring stricter protocols
- Can not take photos of the Sak Yant getting done
- Sometimes busy preforming Monks duties at Temples
- Some designs are off limits due to personal over spiritual magical blessing
Choosing your Sak Yant Bamboo Tattoo Design
Before getting a Sak Yant Tattoo, it’s important to choose a design that holds personal significance for you. There are many different designs to choose from, each with its own unique meaning and purpose. Some of the most popular Sak Yant designs include the Hah Taew, Gao Yord, and Paed Tidt.
It’s also important to note that certain designs are only meant to be tattooed on specific parts of the body. For example, the Hah Taew design is typically tattooed on the back, while the Gao Yord design is can also be tattooed on the chest. Only animal design Traditional hand poked Bamboo Tattoos can be applied below the waist and no Sak Yant Tattoo can be applied to the foot.
Normally discussion with the Sak Yant Master is recommended so that you are able to find a design that best suits the magical purpose of receiving a Sak Yant. Luckily if you choose Sak Yant Chiang Mai – all the Staff have been trained by the Sak Yant Masters to be able to help you with this.
Where to get a Bamboo Tattoo Sak Yant in Chiang Mai - Thailand
- 27 Arak Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- +66 080-142-4886
- bookings@sakyantchiangmai.com
First check out the FAQ Section
Getting a Sak Yant Bamboo Tattoo in Chiang Mai Customer Experiences
Watch many different videos of guests at Sak Yant Chiang Mai who found the best place to get a Sak Yant in Thailand – at Sak Yant Chiang Mai
Other Real Sak Yant Masters in Chiang Mai
Sak Yant Chiang Mai is the largest co-op of local Sak Yant Masters in Chiang Mai and the most popular service. Sometimes (especially in high session October-May) we are fully booked weeks in advance. As a co-op with the aim to promote and educate Authentic Sak Yant traditions we promote Real Sak Yant Masters all over Thailand, including our home city of Chiang Mai. We would much rather if you are unable to visit us, that you go to and get a Real Sak Yant Tattoo rather than a Tattoo Shop artistic replica. You can see a list here of the Real Sak Yant Masters in Chiang Mai
Want to Get a Sak Yant Hand Poked Traditional Bamboo Tattoo?
Sak Yant Chiang Mai is Thailand’s leading Sak Yant provider – Over 10 Independent Sak Yant Masters working in Hygienic and comfortable Samnaks