Sacred
tattoos
are said to protect you from harm and evil spirits
that's why some people are willing travel to Thailand
just to get inked. Many enthusiasts get religious and
spiritual art such as these angel
tattoos
to keep watch over them.
The Thai Tattoo is
an ancient art form that has been widely known in Siam
for hundreds of years.
Sacred Tattoos (Sak Yan)
In years gone by this
type of tattooing was common amongst Thai men as it was
believed that such tattoos would protect them from
danger and in particular harm from weapons.
Only scared monks could apply such
tattoos and today this tradition is still practiced at a
few temples.
It is just unfortunate that
this ancient practice is
doomed to disappear and be replaced by empty aesthetics
of the modern art tattoo?
Where can I get a scared
tattoo?
Relatively
few masters are still in existence practising this dying
tradition. There are a number of well publicised
locations but unfortunately many of these have serious
limitations or financial implications:
1.
Ajahn Noo - Probably one of the best known Sak Yan
masters after having tattooed Agelina Jolie
Unfortunately that brief moment of fame has brought with
it an unprecedented level of arrogance. A small tattoo
for a non Thai will cost 10,000 baht whilst a medium
sized image will cost in excess of 20-30,000 Baht.
Furthermore you are highly unlikely to be tattooed by
Ajahn Noo, but by an understudy, which really defeats
the whole purpose. We cannot recommend Ajahn Noo and
suggest you don't waste your money.
2. Wat
Bang Phra - Very popular amongst foreigners, but
unfortunately the quality of work is not of high
standard, and very little choice in terms of design. You
undoubtedly will be limited to maybe one or two tattoos
and will be required to join the queue. The main
advantage is that you should be able to go by yourself
as this is a well known temple and any taxi driver can
take you on the short 1 hour trip. For a special
occasion try to visit the temple on Wai Kru day, held
every year and well publicized on the internet.
There are
some other Sacred Ajahns/monks that will provide this
service with a quality of work exceeding that of Ajahn
Noo at a fraction of the cost, typically just a few
thousand baht for any number of tattoos. What's more the
choice of design is almost unlimited.
We can
arrange to accompany you to such locations, providing
you with an English/Thai speaking certified tour
guide, hotel pickup, all at a cost less than you
would pay for a tiny tattoo from Ajahn Noo.
For the
first day we charge 10,000 Baht, thereafter 7,000 Baht a
day. This may appear somewhat expensive but at the end
of the day it is far less expensive than any other
alternative. We need to cover our costs of travel to
Bangkok, hotels, cars etc.
This price
does include pick up from the hotel in private car,
lunch and transport to one of the very best Sak Yant
masters in Thailand where you will be given unlimited
attention. We will remain with you the entire day. Why
not bring a friend and split the cost. Payment for
the first day is expected in advance.
Feedback
''Thank
you Chris, that was one of the best days
of my life''
