I’m sure when you think about buying a souvenir the ideas are to get a magnet, or a scarf or either something to use at home that makes you remember the experiences lived in a destination. I also do, and now that I have a home in Germany I sometimes buy magnets or something special I can use or for decoration.

But even better than buying anything I try to prioritize creating good memories and thus the experiences turn into the best thing we can bring from a destination as they will be forever in our lives! Have you ever thought that one definitely meaningful experience can be getting a new Tattoo?

I was having the idea of getting a new tattoo for about three years already but I couldn’t find the perfect design with meaning. The first one, and only until now, was having an important meaning to me and it took me some weeks of researching in the library at that time on the proper design I would get. That was a traditional ancient design belonging to an Apache community from the US, after searching in dozens of books, once I saw this one I knew it was the one.

While on my fourth trip to Thailand we were staying for almost a month in Chiang Mai and during my days there I was thinking it might be the moment to get inked again.

Why did I choose to get a new tattoo in Thailand?

When I had my first tattoo I was very young, even when it was not legally allowed to get one (better don’t ask about it) then, for more than twenty years it was the only one…until now. You can imagine how happy my parents were when they figure out about it.

After more than twenty years I was always thinking about getting another one but I was not sure about what and where to get it.

Thailand is until now one of my favorite countries, I still can’t say exactly what it is that it makes me come back again, and again to this place that I feel like my third home. I feel it is a mix between the amazing food, the culture, and the incredible chill and friendly people.

Thailand is one of my happy places! Getting my second tattoo in Chiang Mai would keep my connection with a country that has given me so much fun and learning.

Why getting a Sak Yant Tattoo?

I have always wanted to get a Sak Yant tattoo, those tattoos who went super trendy some time ago because Angelina Jolie got them in her back, those who are usually made by a monk with a super long stick.

The idea of having a tattoo that was not only decorative but having meaning was very appealing, the only detail was I have heard and read very mixed opinions and comments about them.

The first and the one worrying me the most was that every tattoo of this kind comes with certain rules you got to follow for the rest of your life, they could include from not drinking alcohol anymore to not having sex anymore…and you never know what those rules are until you have the tattoo already in your skin…forever.

But what are these Sak Yank Tattoos?

Sak Yant tattoos have their origins centuries ago in South East Asia, probably introduced by the Khmer Empire. They are not exclusively belonging to Buddhism but they include some of its symbolism, as well as from Hinduism, and they usually include characters in Pali together with geometrical designs and/or animals.

Sak Yant Tattoos are believed to have magical protection powers to the one carrying it.

They are traditionally given by an Ajarn, or master who gives the tattoo to his students to protect them from different sources of evil and negativity.

The Ajarn decides the best Sak Yant according to the goals and needs of the student and they are completely done by hand using a long metal spike or a point sharpened bamboo, dipped constantly into the ink to engrave the design into the skin.

Can a woman receive a Sak Yant?

What was concerning me the most was I knew monks, especially in Thailand are super strict with the rules, and they include that they can’t be close to a woman and even worse is to touch them. This is the reason what you will not see any images of me while receiving the tattoo as is still a big topic in Thailand and my Ajarn don’t want to get into controversy.

Ajarn Rung is one of the most experienced Sak Yant Master and he believes that what he does is helping and he is doing it with good aim so it’s ok to give this to everyone.

How is it to get a Sak Yant?

I did this experience with WSETravel and it was the best decision ever!  They were taking care of every detail and especially all my anxiety before getting this done. Ian, the owner was sending me detailed emails for every step and replying directly to all my question in minutes.

The most remarkable of all is, they include a translator that goes with you to see the Ajarn so you can properly communicate with him and get to the perfect design for you.

When I got mine, first I was asked to write down what I wanted to get from the powers of the tattoo and then, together with my translator and travel guru, Khun Khai we talked with Ajarn Rung. During our conversation, he was drawing what would be my new tattoo!

 

 

 

I have to recognize I was extremely nervous and anxious, I couldn’t remember how much my first tattoo was hurting and I have heard terrible stories of agony and pain. But I was also nervous to see the design, what if I don’t like it? I was wondering all the time.

The Ajarn is one of the kindest people you will ever meet probably and he was calming and giving me time to get emotionally ready for the procedure. We were laughing and talking as we knew each other before.

Then he asked me where I wanted to get the tattoo and if I wanted to see it. When I saw the design I immediately loved it! I could feel it was perfect and special, also I’ve never seen this design before, so I knew it was customized for my wishes! I was ready to start!

We did a little ceremony, as he had to initiate me as his student to be able to receive his knowledge through the Yant. I’ve offered incense and flowers and he did his prayers and mantras while I was holding a plate over my head.

Then was the time to start.

What about the pain?

While I was sitting I could only think about one thing: my sister has just told me one of her friends fainted while getting one of these due to the pain!!!

I have heard the same from other friends who heard similar stories and they were all thinking I was crazy, plus none of the people sharing with me those days were super fans of getting inked. But this was something my soul was craving to do, so I did!

If you already have a tattoo you know how it is, I have one but the thing is I made it almost 24 years ago (that sounds super old, right!!??) so I had no real fresh reference to it. If this would be your first tattoo, you can think about getting a sharp and intense pain in a very tiny space of your skin, but you know what? It’s absolutely tolerable if you are a woman we are used to stronger and more constant pains and we can deal with it.

While I was getting tattooed it was one moment where I thought it was too painful, the Ajarn then said we will make a break and that was 10% done. Seriously!!??  I wanted to cry and run away, but he was joking and we were already done!

The Ajarn took something in between 5 to 10 minutes to finish my new beautiful and magical tattoo!

I was so happy at that moment that we all laughed together with happy tears.

How to be ready to receive your new magical tattoo?

If this will be your first tattoo, or not, try to make the best of the experience. Keep in mind this is a very meaningful moment for several people so keep respect to the involved, this includes yourself. So, try to go there fresh and not super tired or with a hangover!

I’ve heard some people can’t deal with the adrenaline of getting a tattoo and they faint, but this is only because they haven’t eaten before, so get a healthy meal and bring some snacks to take on your way there if you need.

Bring proper clothes and better if they are dark, so you don’t destroy your favorite dress with ink drops, I was wearing a cotton black tank top I was wearing backward to be more monk-proof-dressed and maxi black skirt.

The Rules attached to the Sak Yant Tattoos

After having my new tattoo I figured out they were actually certain suggestion and basic rules about the behavior one should have to keep the magic of the tattoo alive, as well as you can come back every year to get some reactivating blessings on it. After reading them I was happy to see it was nothing weird or complicated.

The 5 Basic Rules

1. You must always respect your parents and teachers.
   2. Don’t try to challenge and disrespect to your “Yant”
   3. Don’t make love with women while they are menstruating.
   4. Don’t underestimate anything in your life.
   5. Don’t create any problems for society.

There are also 3 recommended actions to keep in mind:

1. Think only good thoughts
   2. Speak only good words
   3. Do only good actions

 

Is it safe to get a Sak Yant Bamboo Tattoo?

The first question my Mom did was: Is this safe? And then was asking about the Ink they will use for this.

All the procedures with the Ajarns WSETravel are working with are safe and they get sure to only bring you to places where you will be safe. They sterilized every element and the inks are natural, made out of a mix of oil, charcoal, and herbs.  These herbs are natural disinfectants and help keep it extra clean.

A word or two about Buddha Tattoos

Keep in mind, for Buddhists is very important how their symbols are exposed. Sometimes, we adopt symbols from a different culture, especially when we travel a lot, just for the visual side of it, but it’s very important to be as much informed as you can when doing something that is not part of your own culture.

For example, the head of Buddha is not a decoration item and also it is not a proper theme for a tattoo, in Thailand is very offensive to have religious symbols as a tattoo and can get you into serious trouble, it can even mean you going to jail if they see this kind of design in your skin!

How to take care of your new Sak Yant Tattoo

Sak Yant Tattoos are super easy to take care of and they also heal really fast. Mine was never looking super red even after a few minutes after it was done. The first days you should keep it clean, so if you are planning to go to the beach, pool, river or going to an Elephant Conservation Camp you should think on doing your tattoo after this or when it’s already healed.

Keep it away from the sun and just moisturizing would be needed, I’m using this amazing Balm from The Body Shop and it’s even helping to revive my older tattoo! It’s amazing!

 

ABOUT CHIANG MAI

Recommended places to stay in Chiang Mai

If you want to combine your new Sak Yant Tattoo with your stay in Chiang Mai and you don’t know where to stay, I can recommend you these places for different budgets.

NIMMAN

My favorite area to stay in Chiang Mai is Nimman, mostly because I like more quiet area with not too many tourists and here I find all the food I need just around the corner, but in comparison to Old Town, there are fewer temples to visit here if it’s what you prefer.

OLD TOWN

The areas inside the walls of the Old Town are the other option if you want to be in the more touristic area, it’s also nice with several cafes, shops, and temples around the corner.

Luxury Hotels in Chiang Mai

The Inside House is one of my favorite in Chiang Mai. How cool is to have your own balcony with a private pool?

This is the only hotel apparently having this amazing feature and the decoration and service make everything worth it. Plus their rates are not super expensive.

I mean, a room with a balcony with a tub for less than $200usd?

You can CHECK HERE their rates and availability for your dates

 

 

What about renting your own villa? In Chiang Mai you can rent your own house for up to 10 people for around $500usd, this one is the X2 Chiang Mai South Gate Villa and it’s not only having a swimming pool but everything you can need to have a perfect stay.

Very close to the Saturday’s market and the Chiang Mai’s Gate they include a shuttle from the airport.

You can CHECK HERE their rates and availability for your dates

 

Mid-range hotels in Chiang Mai

The U Chiang Mai is located inside the Old City and it’s a great option to enjoy the Thai service and luxury at an affordable price. They include a pillow menu, music connected to an iPod system, and a modern yet cozy decoration.

If you need to have a spa and get your Thai massage this will be your favorite area in the hotel. You can also use their gym open 24 hours so you can enjoy all your favorite Thai food with no regrets!

You can CHECK HERE their rates and availability for your dates

 

Very close to the historical center, the Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort is the perfect place to relax and from the restaurant enjoy the views of the Ping river.

The pool is perfect to refresh after walking for hours in the city and the area is very quiet so your nights will be perfect.

You can CHECK HERE their rates and availability for your dates

 

 

Budget hotels in Chiang Mai

The beauty of Thailand is that even the budget hostels can be a nice and clean place.  The Stay With Hug Poshtel & Activities is a very good option if you are traveling solo and on a budget, their shared rooms are around $11usd per person and they have curtains in each bed so even if you are in a dorm you will keep a bit of privacy in your bed.

You can CHECK HERE their rates and availability for your dates

 

 

Are you ready to visit Thailand and get your new Sak Yant Tattoo?

Do you already have one and want to tell us how was your experience?