What is a Sak Yant?
The word Sak means “tattoo” or “to tap” in Thai, while Yant means Yantra. The Sak Yant are traditional Thai tattoos which originated over 1,000 years ago in Cambodia.
These tattoos are believed to possess magical powers that provide protection and good luck. The designs are usually geometric figures tattooed by Buddhist Monks or Brahin holy men. Throughout the centuries, the designs have developed and have influence in various beliefs and religious philosophies.
Where to get a Sak Yant?
The three main places to get a Sak Yant would be in Bangkok, Chiang Mai (northern Thailand), and Ayutthaya. Once you have decided where to go, your next step is to decide who will give the tattoo. You can choose between a monk in a temple, or a Sak Yant Master aka “Ajarn” who had years of training the magical procedure and practicing for profit. There are also local tour companies which provide transportation services and English speaking translators who can help you find a monk or Ajarn but are way more expensive! I would highly recommend going straight to the monk or Ajarn.
The popular place to get a Sak Yant is from the Wat Bang Phra just in the outskirts of Bangkok. It became popular as it is also home to the most famous Sak Yant practicing monk, Master Luang Pi Nunn. Many people also get tattooed by Ajarn Noo Kanpai (also located in Bangkok). Angelia Jolie got her Sak Yant from Ajarn Noo which made him very popular as well.
I got my Sak Yant in Bangkok from Ajarn Fluke. Out of the many Ajarns and monks I researched, I found his work the most intricate and the most detailed. He blends the traditional designs with his signature style which makes his art unique from others. He is also very easy to contact either through email or WhatsApp and you do not need to pay any local tour company to find him. I HIGHLY recommend Ajarn Fluke if you plan to get a Sak Yant in Bangkok. Here is how you can reach him.
Email: arjarn.fluke@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +66955588578
Line ID: hamkurusuku
Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/sakyant_arjarn_fluke/
Cost of getting a Sak Yant?
The price of the Sak Yant varies from its size, design, and power. A Sak Yant the size of a regular sized palm would be around 1,000 baht. While a half sleeve Sak Yant would cost around 12,000 baht. The price also varies depending on the Ajarn. There are Ajarns who give Sak Yant for “free” but they would require a donation of offerings such as flowers, cigarettes, incense sticks, candles, and money that would amount to 9 which Thai’s believe is a lucky number.
The cost varies Ajarn to Ajarn, but if you’re visiting a temple then it would “free” with a mandatory donation. All Ajarns have a standard fee just like a tattoo shop, as this is how they make a living. The price varies on the size of Sak Yant design but ranges from 1,000 baht to 12,000 baht.
My tiger design costs 8,000 baht
How long is the tattooing process?
It took a total of 3 hours including a short break in between. After the tattooing session, Ajarn Fluke blessed my Sak Yant by chanting a Kataa to unleash its magic.
Click on this link to view the Sak Yant video —> https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm7GMtggHN5/
