Sak Yant Tattoo in Thailand – A Traditional Buddhist Experience | How to Book & Meaning Behind the Sacred Ink

Thailand is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions, with many locals being devout followers. They hold great respect for deities and monks, believing that receiving a Sak Yant tattoo—an ancient Buddhist sacred tattoo—blessed by a master brings protection, luck, and spiritual power. In recent years, more foreigners have traveled to Thailand for these tattoos, not just for their beauty but also for their spiritual significance.

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Today, I took a friend to one of Thailand’s most famous Sak Yant temples to experience an authentic Buddhist sacred tattoo.
Many readers are curious about the Hah Taew (Five Lines) Sak Yant tattoo, and I often get questions about it. To provide a clear guide, I documented our journey and put together this article so you know what to expect when getting a Sak Yant tattoo in Thailand.

 

The Hah Taew (5 lines) Sak Yant Tattoo

We decided to get the " Hah Taew (5 Lines) Sak Yant Tattoo” (Angelina Jolie has this too!)

It’s located in a small temple within a residential area,

and since it’s quite famous, many people were waiting for their tattoos!

The sign has a mysterious vibe!

We chose this Sak Yant Tattoo temple because it’s just a 20-minute drive from Bangkok Downtown.

Address：288/296 Phueng Mi 50/24 Alley, Khwaeng Bang Chak, Khet Phra Khanong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10260

*This place has good techniques, and locals often visit. Any reputable temple should suffice.

No reservations are needed; you can just show up and wait in line (but it’s good to confirm if the master is available that day).

Meaning of Thai Sak Yant Tattoos

First, you need to choose your Sak Yant tattoo design and understand its significance.

A local will present a book of Sak Yant Tattoo or Buddhist tattoo designs and explain each one’s meaning.

The basic meanings of the Hah Taew (five lines) include: Prosperity, Career success, Dispelling misfortune, Enhancing luck, Attracting good relationships

When choosing your Sak Yant tattoo design, think about what aspect you want to focus on—relationships, love, good fortune/luck, or financial success—and select the corresponding Sak Yant design.

 

Once you’ve decided, you’ll start by chanting at the Buddha altar at the entrance, following along with a Thai woman leading the prayers.

 

Pricing for Thai Sak Yant Tattoos

Next, you’ll place your money in a floral offering and hand it to the master.

The size of the Thai Sak Yant Tattoos design correlates with the price; for the Hah Taew (five lines), it costs 3,200 Thai Baht.

Note: Prices may have increased over the years, so check with the master for the current rate.

 

Master Blessing for the Sak Yant Thai Tattoo

The master will begin chanting, invoking blessings from the deities.

The temple is filled with various statues, rich in Buddhist symbolism,

and there’s a very mature parrot keeping watch.

 

The Sak Yant Thai Tattoo Process

The master will outline the design on your back, (the purple part in the picture)

and then take a long iron needle from the wall, which looks quite painful…

and he starts skillfully tattooing the Hah Taew (five lines) onto your skin.

About 20 minutes later, the neatly done the Hah Taew (five lines) Sak Yant Thai Tattoo are completed.

The skill is impressive, and there’s very little bleeding.

After finishing, the master chants again for blessings and applies lucky gold leaf, wrapping the area in plastic wrap to protect your skin.

 

Aftercare & Important Tips

The master will remind you of five important care tips after getting your Sak Yant Thai tattoo:

1. Do not scratch the tattoo.

2. Do not pick at the scabs.

3. Avoid eating eggs.

4. Do not wash the tattooed area with soap or body wash.

5. Avoid seafood.

There were many thai locals waiting behind us, indicating that this script offers significant protective benefits.

We look forward to the blessings this Hah Taew (five lines) Sak Yant Thai Tattoo will bring!

Maintaining the Sak Yant Thai Tattoo’s Power

To maintain the tattoo's power : If you feel you’ve received what you sought after getting the tattoo, you can schedule a return visit to have the master bless it again, asking for the script’s power to continue into the new year.

For those looking to level up their tattoos : Some begin with the Hah Taew (five lines) Sak Yant tattoo, and after experiencing success in their careers and finances, opt for more powerful Sak Yant designs, like a mountain tiger or ten lizards, to attract further achievements. Others may choose the elephant god design for wealth management.

Historical Insights on Sak Yant Thai Tattoos

According to a video by Point of View, a popular YouTuber with over a million subscribers who graduated from Chulalongkorn University, he specializes in Thai history and culture. In the video, he briefly explains the famous script tattoo, known as ยันต์ (yan), detailing what it includes. The most popular the Hah Taew (five lines), ยันต์ห้าแถว, are often referred to as the "Five Lines of Fortune" or "Five Lines of Wealth." All five lines convey the same message, just in a different order, meaning to wholeheartedly dedicate oneself to Buddha.

 

Most of the other Sak Yant Thai contents are similar, expressing reverence to the Buddha and seeking blessings from the Three Jewels of Buddhism. Logically, it signifies: I offer my utmost respect to the Buddha, and I sincerely ask for protection from misfortune and guidance towards good fortune.

Common Questions About Sak Yant Thai Tattoo

Q1: Are new needles used for Thai script tattoos?

Each tattoo temple in Thailand varies, so it’s essential to observe and confirm. However, most places charge higher for foreign customers, and the masters usually use new needles. If they don’t, you can ask the master, and typically you can pay an extra 500-1500 Baht to request a new needle.

The Sak Yant Thai Tattoo place we visited used new needles.

Q2: What Should I Know Before Getting a Sak Yant tattoo in Thailand?

Since Sak Yant tattoos are rooted in Buddhism, it’s important to follow these basic principles beforehand: (1)No smoking, (2)No drinking, (3)No gambling, (4)No visiting prostitutes, and (5)Show respect and filial piety.

Q3: What’s the Difference Between Inked (Red/Black) and Oil Sak Yant Tattoos?

Inked Sak Yant Tattoos :The most common type, available in both black and red ink. It takes longer to complete, and the sacred script remains visible.

Oil Sak Yant Tattoos :An invisible version that takes only about 10 minutes. Some masters believe it carries dual spiritual power—one from the inked Sak Yant tattoo itself and another from the oil, made from fresh flowers and vegetables and blessed during its preparation.

Q4: Do you offer guided Sak Yant tattoo trips?

(1) For solo travelers, you can book a highly-rated five-star Holy Tattoo Experience at Wat Bang Phra on GetYourGuide.com, one of the world’s top tour platforms. The tour includes: (a)Round-trip transport between Bangkok city hotels and Wat Bang Phra temple, (b)Sak Yant tattoo fee (classic basic design only), (c)English speaking guide. Total cost: 3,700 THB (around $110 USD) per person. You can book directly on the platform.

(2) For groups of three or more, or if you’d like to visit a different Sak Yant master, I can arrange a private tattoo tour. My pricing is usually better than booking through GetYourGuide. I’ll provide a Chinese/English speaking guide and customize the trip based on your chosen temple, group size, and date. Contact me via :FB | Line.

Q5: Recommended Sak Yant Tattoo Temples in Bangkok & Pricing

The right master is a personal choice—Sak Yant Tattoo is a lifelong commitment, so choose a master whose work truly resonates with you.

Renowned Sak Yant Tattoo Temple/Master in Bangkok: Wat Bang Phra and Ajarn Keaw.

• Wat Bang Phra

Wat Bang Phra is renowned worldwide for Sak Yant tattoos, located 1-1.5 hours from central Bangkok. See :Wat Bang Phra Sak Yanton Google Map :click here, most visitors hire private transport.
*For small groups (2-4 people) or larger vans (7-9 people),KKday offers affordable private car services.
Masters in Wat Bang Phra usually start around 8-9 AM, and tattoo service stops at 4:30 PM. Arrive early (ideally 6-7 AM) to avoid long wait times or missing your turn.

Tattoo Process: Foreigners receive tattoos on the 3rd floor, while locals go to the 1st and 2nd floors. A catalog displays popular designs (the Hah Taew five lines, Tiger, Nine Spires, Love Bird, etc.) with pricing. Once finished, a monk blesses and empowers your Sak Yant tattoo through a sacred ceremony.

• Wat Bang Phra Sak Yant – Pricing & Payment

Payment: Cash only, no credit cards.
Pricing: Wat Bang Phra Sak Yant prices are posted at the temple, and the master may quote a custom price on-site. Exact prices or designs cannot be confirmed in advance.

Reference Prices (2023):

(1)Upward-Facing Tiger / Downward-Facing Tiger: 7,000-8,000 THB，(2)Large Rahu Deity: 10,000 THB，(3)Five-Line Sak Yant on the Arm: 4,500 THB，(4)Wealth & Charm Sak Yant Designs: 3,500 THB

• Can I Choose a Specific Master at Wat Bang Phra Temple?

Only Wat Bang Phra-approved masters perform the tattoos, ensuring quality and qualification. Afterward, a high-ranking monk blesses and empowers your tattoo.

Your Sak Yant tattoo will be done by the master available on the day; pre-selecting a master is not possible.

• Ajarn Keaw's Sak Yant

Ajarn Keaw (อาจารย์เขียว) is a world-renowned Sak Yant master who frequently tours internationally. He is a direct disciple ofAjarn Noo Kanpai—the famous white-robed Sak Yant master known for tattooing Angelina Jolie’s the Hah Taew Five Lines Sak Yant.

Ajarn Keaw has been featured on Hong Kong’s "Strange Tales" and Taiwan’s "The World’s No.1" TV programs. Many celebrities, including renowned host Wu Wai-Chung, have visited him. His Sak Yant designs and blessings have even been recognized by the Thai royal family, and he is often consulted by Thai government institutions and royal members.

He also travels internationally to Taiwan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong for Sak Yant sessions. However, getting tattooed abroad is more expensive than in Thailand. If you're planning to visit him in Thailand, check in advance to confirm his availability.

For 2024-2025, Ajarn Keaw charges around 7,000 baht for the Hah Taew (Five-Lines) Sak Yant tattoo with new needle and 5,000 baht for Gold Needle insertion with pure gold. (Prices may vary - please confirm with the master in advance)

Ajarn Keaw's Sak Yant Tattoo Gallery

• Popular Sak Yant Masters in Bangkok

Besides Ajarn Keaw, other notable Sak Yant masters include Ajarn Narong (who directly inherited one of the most powerful Sak Yant lineages) and Ajarn Boo. If you're not specifically looking for a famous master, Bangkok offers several highly recommended options, including(1) this Instagram-famous Sak Yant master,(2) this well-respected Bangkok master, and (3)this masterwho trained at Wat Bang Phra and is popular among my Thai friends, and (4)this master.

Prices vary depending on the master’s reputation, design complexity, and size. Each Sak Yant master has different rates, so it’s best to ask directly..

• For reference, the Hah Taew (five lines) at the temple we visited cost 3,200 THB when we went there a few years ago. Prices may have changed since then, so be sure to check current rates before going.
• In contrast, a similar the Hah Taew (five lines) Sak Yant in central Bangkok could cost 8,888 THB, as shown in the image below.
  

• Which Thai master gave Angelina Jolie her Sak Yant?

Angelina Jolie helped make Sak Yant tattoos famous worldwide. Her tattoos were done by  Ajarn Noo Kanpai, as shown on his official IG and website.

You can get a Sak Yant from Ajarn Noo Kanpa Ajarn Noo Kanpai, but since he’s internationally famous, his prices are quite high. The starting price for a basic Sak Yant tattoo, like the Five Lines Yant, is 70,000 THB, as noted on his official booking page.

Q5: How to Get to a Sak Yant Temple in Thailand?

For any Sak Yant location in Thailand, use Google Maps or Grab to estimate transportation costs. We've also shared a guide on: Getting around Thailand

*The Sak Yant temple mentioned above is near central Bangkok, so getting a ride isn’t too difficult. However, availability may vary based on the time of day.

*If you're on a bugdet, you can take the BTS/MRT to a nearby station and then use a motorbike taxi for the last leg of the trip.

Q6: How to Book a Sak Yant Tattoo in Thailand?

If you’re worried about availability, especially for high-demand temples or complex designs, it’s best to book in advance. This is especially important if you need a translator or guide.

Since asking for quotes can take time, decide on your preferred Sak Yant Tattoo design before reaching out. Send reference images and specify the placement. Ideally, choose a design the master is familiar with, as they believe in the spiritual power of their own Sak Yant patterns.

*Some Sak Yant designs must be placed in specific body parts for full effect. For example, "Eight-Spoked Wheel," "Nuanduang," and certain wealth-attracting Sak Yant cannot be freely repositioned. Research beforehand to avoid issues.

*If you’re unsure what to get, many Thai locals let the master decide. Some Ajarns choose a Yant based on their spiritual assessment of the person.

Most Sak Yant masters only work during the day and close around 4-5 PM, so don’t plan for an evening session.

Most Ajarns (masters) or their assistants speak basic English. You can reach out to Ajarn by sending a DM on Instagram or Facebook, or by calling their studio to book a Sak Yant tattoo in English.

If you're not sure how to book in English or explain where you'd like the tattoo, here's a simple guide to help:

Hi, We are from Germany (Country).
On 2/20 (Tue) at 11 AM, (Date and time), we would like to book a Sak Yant tattoo appointment for two people (Number of people getting tattoo).
-We’re both interested in a Hah Taew (five lines) Sak Yant Tattoo on our arms (body part) (see reference below).
-Please advise how long would this take for both of us?

After sending this, include a photo of the Hah Taew (Five Lines) Sak Yant Tattoo—or your chosen design—along with a reference image of where you'd like it placed on your body.

**Plenty of handy translation tools like Google Translate or ChatGPT are available, so booking a tattoo shouldn’t be an issue.

*Common body part names in English: Arm / Upper arm/Back / Upper back / Lower back/Ankle / Thigh / Calf

Most Ajarns know basic English. If communication is tricky, you might need a Sak Yant booking service with Thai communication for an additional cost. For booking assistance, feel free to contact us via :Facebook

 

Q7: Do Sak Yant Tattoos Really Work? Which Ajarn is the Most Powerful?

People often wonder if Sak Yant tattoos really work, but there’s no universal way to measure faith, spirituality, or religious power.

As with any belief, those who believe will feel its impact.

The stronger your faith,the deeper the meaning it may hold..

 

Q8: Are There Ajarns Who Specialize in Sak Yant for Health?

Several people ask：If certain Ajarns focus on health-related Sak Yant tattoos.

My Response:

Sak Yant masters differ in their lineage, Buddhist school, reputation, and tattoo designs.
About half of the people getting a Sak Yant already have a specific master they trust.
The other half just want a reliable master without focusing too much on who it is.

In general, well-trained Ajarns can bless for anything, including health.
If their blessings weren’t effective, people wouldn’t keep returning.

Wat Bang Phra, Ajarn Keaw's Sak Yant, andthis master, andare often sought for health-related Sak Yant tattoos,
, but it’s hard to say which is the best for health.

 

 

Q9: Can Sak Yant Masters Read Fortunes? Can They Choose a Tattoo Based on My Fortune?

Since Ajarns spend years studying Buddhist teachings, many of them can read fortunes.

There are two ways to choose a Sak Yant design:
1️⃣ Let the Ajarn decide: The master will observe your aura, face, or palm and listen to what you want to improve. Based on this, they’ll choose the most suitable Sak Yant for you.

2️⃣ Choose your own Sak Yant Tattoo design: You can research and pick a Sak Yant yourself.

📌 If you want a detailed fortune reading before choosing a Sak Yant tattoo, mention it when booking, so the Ajarn knows you’re requesting both services.

Q9: What is the Gold Needle Ritual? Do Sak Yant masters offer this service? Is pure gold used?

The Gold Needle Ritual is a mystical ancient Thai ceremony. The master uses consecrated pure gold needles that have been blessed extensively, inserting them into the devotee's body while chanting sacred mantras. Like amulets and yantra tattoos, the power of these gold needles is permanent - you receive spiritual protection without needing to wear anything.

This sacred practice has been handed down through generations, though masters skilled in this ritual are becoming scarce. The needles are crafted from pure gold, which is completely safe for the body and allows spiritual energy to be directly channeled into it. Those who receive the needles are said to be protected from harm, shielded from misfortune, and guarded against malevolent spirits and possession. In Thai tradition, more gold needles are considered better, as they represent wealth attraction - like storing prosperity within your body. It's also believed that performing good deeds after receiving the needles enhances their lucky effects.

The Thai call this "planting gold," believed to attract good fortune in many forms: wealth (both expected and unexpected), relationships, help from influential people, career success, and spiritual protection. It's said to bring peace, ward off disasters, and clear away bad luck.

#Important: Always verify with the Ajarn/master that pure gold needles will be used. Pure gold ensures there's no risk of rusting.

 

Unlock Ancient Mysteries: Explore Wat Bang Phra, Home of the Legendary Sak Yant Tattoos!

If you're not planning to get a Sak Yant Tattoo but are curious about the mystical power behind it, you can visit the famous Wat Bang Phra Temple, which offers guided tours explaining its history and rituals.

For example, KKDAY offers aWat Bang Phra tour－that includes an introduction but does not include a tattoo session.

 

Videos: What Happens Inside a Sak Yant Tattoo Practice

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