Frequently Asked Questions
Sak Yant FAQ
Sak Yant Questions and Answers from Sak Yant Bangkok
Sak Yant Questions and Answers - Sak Yant Bangkok
Sak Yant FAQ: We hope to provide a better understanding of the Sak Yant Process, Questions you might have and have provided the Answers here for you at our Sak Yant FAQ
General Sak Yant Questions: Sak Yant FAQ
Sak Yant FAQ - Basic Sak Yant Terms
Sak Yant:
The term "Sak Yant" refers to the traditional form of tattooing practiced in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. These tattoos are often associated with spiritual beliefs and are believed to possess protective and magical qualities.
Arjan (or Ajarn):
An "Arjan" or "Ajarn" is a master tattooist or a Buddhist monk who is skilled in the art of Sak Yant tattooing. These individuals are highly respected within their communities and often perform rituals and blessings before and during the tattooing process.
Khem (The Needle):
Sak yants are done by the traditional Hand Poked Method using a steel needle called a "Khem:.
Samnak:
Sak yants are done by the traditional Hand Poked Method using a steel needle called a "Khem".
Bamboo Tattoo (The Tourist Scam):
Bamboo Tattoo is a marketing term used by Tattoo Shops in Thailand hoping to lure gullible tourists into getting Fake Sak Yants without any meaning. This term has only been used in the last 2 decades after media reports of celebrity Sak Yants referred to them as Bamboo Tattoo. Sak Yant Masters have never used bamboo to make Sak Yants
Offering vs Donation:
Both are required for a Sak Yant Tattoo. The offering consists of a few flowers, candles, incense and cost around 20-100 baht. This is given to show respect for the Master and their sacredness
The donation is the cost of the Sak Yant itself and is to pay for the Masters time, experience and knowledge as well as the actual Tattooing itself.
What is a Sak Yant tattoo?
A Sak Yant tattoo is a traditional form of tattooing originating from Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. It's often associated with Buddhist and animistic beliefs, and the tattoos are believed to possess magical or protective powers.
What are the common designs of Sak Yant tattoos?
Some common designs include the Hah Taew (Five Lines), Gao Yord (Nine Peaks), Paed Tidt (Eight Directions), and various animal motifs like tigers, snakes, and mythical creatures. Each design carries specific meanings and symbolism.
Who can get a Sak Yant tattoo?
Sak Yant tattoos are traditionally given by Buddhist monks or arjans (master tattooists) in temple settings. However, in recent years, they have become popular among tourists and tattoo enthusiasts. It's important to approach reputable and skilled artists for authentic Sak Yant tattoos.
What are the meanings and benefits of Sak Yant tattoos?
The meanings and benefits vary based on the design chosen. Generally, Sak Yant tattoos are believed to offer protection, luck, strength, and other positive attributes. They may also provide spiritual guidance and help ward off negative energies.
How long does it take to get a Sak Yant tattoo?
The duration depends on the complexity of the design and the artist's speed. Some smaller designs can be completed in a few hours, while larger and more intricate tattoos may require multiple sessions spanning several days.
Are Sak Yant tattoos culturally appropriate for non-Asian individuals?
While Sak Yant tattoos have cultural and religious significance in Southeast Asia, they have also gained popularity globally. It's crucial to approach Sak Yant tattoos with respect for their origins and meanings, regardless of one's cultural background.
Can I find out what the Sak Yant Text Says?
Not really, while the text can be translated it would be meaningless to you as it is in an ancient magical Language. The Sak Yant Master spends many years learning these languages and the blessings that go with them for your Sak Yant.
The whole point of the Sak Yant Tattoo is that it is a magical Blessing - done with magical text. If you could (or anyone) read the text then it would not be special.
Can I choose the Sak Yant Design?
Yes you can and should. The Sak Yant is a magical aid to improve your life, with different designs that have different meanings. You know yourself and what you want much more than a Sak Yant Master who has just met you.
How long does it take a Sak Yant to heal?
About 3 days for the skin to heal around the ink and close off the skin surface to prevent infections.
For those 3 days, no swimming, stretching, exercise sunbathing or anything to disturb the skin or muscle
Can a Female get a Sak Yant?
Yes a female can get a Sak Yant from a Sak Yant Master - but not from a Monk.
Who is the Best Sak Yant Master in Bangkok?
Sak Yant Master never rate themselves as it is highly disrespectful to the tradition. Want or needing "The Best" is a western ego concept that doesn't work with Traditional Thai Tattoos.
There are some Sak Yant Masters who are better known and some who do better looking designs, some who cost much more etc. At Sak Yant Bangkok we have selected top quality Ajarns who have yet to get to superstar pricing. The experience and detail of your Sak Yant will be the same, but your wallet will contain more money
Questions About Sak Yant Bangkok: Sak Yant FAQ
Who is Sak Yant Bangkok?
We are devotees of the Sak Yant Traditions who over the last few years have become concerned with the changes at Wat Bang Phra and prices of some local Sak Yant Masters in Bangkok. We know directly that this has happened as the popularity of Sak Yants has increased and Masters are being overwhelmed by people who do not have any understanding of the culture or traditions.
So we wanted to do something about it .... We wanted tourist getting a Sak Yant to be educated and understand the process. We wanted to help avoid people from being ripped off by high prices. We wanted people to understand what the Sak Yant they got means and help them choose a design they love. We wanted to replicate the Experience that customers of Sak Yant Chiang Mai get ... so we asked them for help, AND they provided it for us.
Even though we are making a little bit of money, we have arranged with the Sak Yant Masters we use to give us Thai pricing (not tourist pricing) so we KNOW 100% when you use us, you will understand the whole experience and pay less than if you were to try and get a Sak Yant alone
Why do I have to meet you at the BTS?
We are new, just starting in June 2024. So the honest answer is we are testing the market until such time as we can create our own location and have the Sak Yant Masters come to us, as they do at Sak Yant Chiang Mai.
In order for you to have the cheapest options, it makes no sense to charge you more to pick you up and accompany you on the same train-line to reach the Masters we use. So we will meet you at the Station closest to the Sak Yant Samnak to save you money!
How do you Chose your Sak Yant Masters?
We have been interested in Sak Yant Tattoo's in Bangkok for over a decade. In this time we have visited many Sak Yant Masters and Monks. We have watched as the cost of Sak Yant Tattoos in Bangkok have risen from a couple Thousand baht to sometimes over 30,000.
We know many of the Ajarns, we know how good their art-work is, and we have watched as some grew more famous and more expensive. So we approached the Sak Yant Masters who still have heart and passion for the traditions, rather than the more famous ones that other western owned tour services use (and charge) for.
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Or for more detailed Sak Yant FAQ Questions and Answer – try Sak Yant Chiang Mai’s Sak Yant FAQ