How much does a Sak Yant Cost?

What are you likely to pay for a Sak Yant Tattoo

At Sak Yant Chiang Mai, A Real Sak Yant costs start at 2000 baht (~US$60) for both the Tattoo and Magical Blessing from the Sak Yant Master. That is half the Price of a Sak Yant from Phuket and Bangkok or any Tattoo shop providing fakes around Thailand

Different Sak Yant Pricing around Thailand

This Sak Yant Pricing page deals with the Sak Yant costs at Sak Yant Chiang Mai. We know for a fact that we offer genuine Sak Yant tattoos with a blessing for around half the price of Bangkok, Phuket or a tattoo shop providing fakes under the term ‘Bamboo tattoo’. For a full explanation of why Sak Yant Tattoo’s are not Free you can read Why Sak Yant Tattoos are not Free

At Sak Yant Chiang Mai we use the set pricing approach, which depends on the size, complexity and time involved. We feel this approach is the most fair, as you get to work out how much your Sak Yant tattoo costs before arriving for your appointment. Other Arjans around the country will use the Sliding Scale method, in which you usually are charged more the less you know (double pricing for tourists).

We have many people travel from around the country to use Sak Yant Chiang Mai, because for what we charge 2000 baht for, in Bangkok/Phuket the price starts at 10,000 Baht at a place like Thai Tattoo Cafe. Obviously the Co-operative of Sak Yant Masters means that commissions are not required making our service much cheaper.

Set Fee Approach

Used by Sak Yant Chiang Mai

This approach is what the westerner is more used too in their own countries. Set prices exist and are displayed along side of the image in a pricing catalogue or design book. The price depends on the size, complexity and duration it will take to complete.

Most Sak Yant Guides and tour agencies operate this way, so that the person getting the Sak Yant is fully aware of the costs before they approach the Sak Yant Master

Sliding Scale Approach

Used by many Independent Masters

Here the Sak Yant Master will base the price based on how prepared you are (speak Thai or have a translator), understand the traditions of the Yant and the meanings of the designs etc.

Pricing can differ by up to four times with the same Ajarn giving the same Sak Yant to different people.

Donation Approach

This is the least understood aspect and is often reported incorrectly, which is why you can not believe every blog-post you read.

The donation approach comes in two forms, your offering (often a few hundred baht) and a cash donation for the Sak Yant Masters time.

This really requires a good understanding of the value of the service being provided. Mostly uses at Wat Bang Phra and very rural Ajarns in small villages.

The Components of Sak Yant Costs

There are two components to paying for a Sak Yant Tattoo. Both are essential although many bloggers confuse the two and call the ‘Offering’ the ‘Donation’ and write about how cheap it was to get their Sak Yant. In reality they also probably did not get to choose their Sak Yant Design, because they did not show respect for the Sak Yant Masters skill and time.

The Offering

The Offering is made to the Sak Yant Master or Temple Monk to show respect for the Temple and Master. This usually consists of some flowers, cigarettes and costs around 20-100 Baht.

The Donation

This is what you offer to the Sak Yant Master for their skill and time for the particular Sak Yant design you are requesting.

Some people confuse the fact that Thai Monks are not allowed to receive money for personal use as a justification to not pay the Donation aspect of the Sak Yant Costs. Monks are however able to accept Donations which they then give to the Temples without any problem.

When using a service like Sak Yant Chiang Mai, we include the Offering as part of our booking deposit. The Booking deposit includes the booking time, help choosing the design, translation services for the Sak Yant Master, guiding you through the Etiquette, explaining the meanings, medical after care and the Sak Yant Rules. Sak Yant Chiang Mai’s booking deposit includes an hour of In-house Service, but does not include the extra costs of a Temple Tour option.

Guide to Donation Pricing for Various Sak Yant Designs

95% of a persons first Sak Yant is one of three Master Yant designs. The Master Yants are considered the most powerful and have a Blessing attached to them that cover most circumstances and situations. The Five Line comes within the 2000 baht price range, the others being larger and more complex cost a little more.