Lanna lineage • 20+ years of experience

Authentic Sak Yant in Chiang Mai, by a Lanna-tradition master

Sacred hand-poked tattoos in the heart of the Old City — sterile needle per client, Khata blessing chanted during the session, and clear English guidance from consultation to aftercare.

A Lanna-tradition Sak Yant master hand-poking a sacred Yant tattoo on a respectful foreign client in a Chiang Mai studio

Popular Yant designs

The most commonly requested sacred tattoos and what each one offers spiritually. Your master will help you choose the right design for your situation during the free consultation.

Hah Taew Sak Yant design — close-up

Hah Taew

The 5 sacred lines — charisma, success, protection, luck and influence. Often a first Sak Yant.

Gao Yord Sak Yant design — close-up

Gao Yord

The 9 spires representing the 9 Buddhist deities. Maximum protection and universal blessings.

Paed Tidt Sak Yant design — close-up

Paed Tidt

8 sacred directions — protection wherever your travels take you, and clarity of decision.

Suea (twin tigers) Sak Yant design — close-up

Suea (twin tigers)

Twin tigers — fearless courage, command and presence. Popular with leaders and athletes.

Onk Phra Sak Yant design — close-up

Onk Phra

Buddha amulet — meditative calm, wisdom and a daily reminder of the path.

Custom Lanna (Naga) Sak Yant design — close-up

Custom Lanna (Naga)

Custom Lanna Naga — Northern Thai style serpent of protection, abundance and water blessing.

20+ years under recognised Ajarns Lanna Wat U Mong lineage Sterile single-use needles Khata blessing included English-speaking studio Old City — Tha Phae Gate

Three ways to receive your Sak Yant

Whether you have one afternoon in the Old City or a full half-day for a rural temple ceremony, we tailor the experience to your schedule and to how deep you want to go.

In-house samnak session

Tattoo done at our Old City studio near Tha Phae Gate. Consultation, tattoo and blessing in 1–2 hours — ideal for first-timers and short stays.

Couples & small group session

2 to 5 people in the same half-day at the studio, with a 10% discount applied when two people book the same day.

Temple tour, all-inclusive

Private transport to an affiliated rural temple, traditional offerings prepared for you, English translator, and tattoo by an Ajarn monk.

Custom Lanna design

Work directly with the master to design a personal Yant — animal spirits, protection symbols or a multi-session piece at an hourly rate.

Design consultation

Not sure which Yant suits your situation? Book a free 15-minute consultation in person or on WhatsApp before committing.

Real photos from our Chiang Mai Sak Yant studio and partner masters

Sak Yant Chiang Mai | Traditional Thai Tattoo
Photo by Martina Lucato · Sak Yant Chiang Mai | Traditional Thai Tattoo · via Google Maps
Sak Yant Chiang Mai | Traditional Thai Tattoo
Photo by Ethan Myers · Sak Yant Chiang Mai | Traditional Thai Tattoo · via Google Maps
Sak Yant Chiang Mai | Traditional Thai Tattoo
Photo by Sak Yant Chiang Mai | Traditional Thai Tattoo · Sak Yant Chiang Mai | Traditional Thai Tattoo · via Google Maps
Sak Yant Chiang Mai | Traditional Thai Tattoo
Photo by Meowth The Scratch Cat · Sak Yant Chiang Mai | Traditional Thai Tattoo · via Google Maps

Sak Yant Chiang Mai — fixed, transparent pricing

Every price below is the full cost you pay the master, with no hidden 'donation' on top. A pre-tattoo consultation, the Khata blessing, sterile needle and an aftercare kit are always included.

Small single Yant (~30 min)
฿2,500
Ideal for first-timers
Common design — Hah Taew, Gao Yord, Paed Tidt
฿3,500 – ฿5,500
Most popular choice
Large or custom Lanna design
฿6,500 – ฿9,000
Designed with the master
Hourly rate (complex / multi-session)
฿3,000 / hr
For ongoing pieces
Couples booking
−10%
2 people same day
Temple tour, all-inclusive half-day
฿9,500
Most immersive experience
Booking deposit
฿1,000
Deducted from final price
Always included: 15-minute pre-tattoo consultation, sterile single-use needle, fresh ink, Khata blessing chanted during the tattoo, written Khor Ham rules, and an aftercare kit with English instructions.

How your Sak Yant ceremony works

From your first WhatsApp message to the moment you leave with your aftercare kit, here is exactly what to expect.

1

WhatsApp & free consultation

Tell us your travel dates and what you're drawn to. We discuss designs, placement and method, and answer every question before you commit.

2

Reserve your slot

A 1,000 THB deposit secures your date. It is deducted from the final price on the day of your session.

3

Arrive & meet the master

You meet the master at our Old City studio (or are picked up for the temple tour). A 15-minute consultation confirms your Yant, size and placement.

4

Tattoo & Khata blessing

The master hand-pokes your Yant with a sterile khem sak or sak lek needle, chanting the Khata mantra to activate the protection.

5

Aftercare & Khor Ham

You leave with an aftercare kit, written healing instructions, and the list of Khor Ham (post-tattoo prohibitions) so you can honour your Yant.

Where we welcome clients in Chiang Mai

Our studio sits on Ratchadamnoen Road, a few minutes' walk from Tha Phae Gate in the Old City. We work with travellers staying anywhere in and around Chiang Mai, and the temple tour reaches affiliated samnaks in the surrounding countryside.

Clients regularly travel to us from across the city and the wider Chiang Mai region, including:

Old City Tha Phae Gate Nimmanhaemin Chang Khlan (Night Bazaar) Santitham Hang Dong Mae Rim Doi Suthep area

Frequently asked questions about Sak Yant in Chiang Mai

Everything we get asked on WhatsApp, answered in plain English.

Is Sak Yant safe? What about hygiene and needles?

Yes. We use a brand-new, sterile single-use khem sak or sak lek needle for every client, opened in front of you. Ink is poured fresh per session, the master wears gloves and the workspace is disinfected between clients.

Is a Sak Yant permanent? Can it be removed?

Sak Yant is a real tattoo and is permanent. It can be lightened with laser removal like any tattoo, but doing so is considered disrespectful to the sacred meaning. We always encourage thinking carefully before booking.

Can foreigners and non-Buddhists get a Sak Yant?

Absolutely. Most of our clients are foreigners and many are not Buddhist. What matters is genuine respect for the tradition. The master will explain the meaning of your Yant and what it asks of you.

Can women receive a Sak Yant?

Yes, women are warmly welcomed at our studio. For the temple tour, the Ajarn monk follows traditional protocol: a cloth is placed so there is no direct skin contact, but the tattoo and Khata blessing are performed exactly the same.

How much does a Sak Yant cost in Chiang Mai?

A small single Yant starts at 2,500 THB, common designs like Hah Taew, Gao Yord or Paed Tidt are 3,500–5,500 THB, and large or custom Lanna pieces are 6,500–9,000 THB. The all-inclusive temple tour is 9,500 THB.

Which design should I choose for my situation?

Hah Taew (5 lines) covers protection, charisma and good fortune; Gao Yord (9 spires) is the universal protector; Paed Tidt guards you in the 8 directions of travel; Suea (twin tigers) is for warriors and strength. In your consultation the master will recommend what fits your life stage.

How painful is the bamboo (khem sak) method?

Most clients describe it as a sharp scratching sensation, more uncomfortable than agonising. Small designs take 20–30 minutes; larger ones take longer but the rhythm of the chanting helps you settle into it. Healing is also usually faster than with a machine tattoo.

Can I choose where on my body? Are there restrictions?

You choose the placement together with the master. The key rule is that sacred imagery — especially Buddha or deity-related Yants — must be placed above the waist, never on the lower body or feet. We'll guide you respectfully.

How long does healing take and how do I care for it?

Most Sak Yants heal in 7–14 days. We give you an aftercare kit with balm and written English instructions: keep it clean and dry the first day, apply balm sparingly, avoid swimming pools, the sea and direct sun until fully healed.

What are the Khor Ham (rules) after a Sak Yant?

The Khor Ham are precepts you accept to keep your Yant 'active'. Common ones include not harming others, not speaking ill of your parents, and not eating certain foods like star-shaped fruit. You receive the full written list specific to your Yant after the session.

Who is the master and what is his lineage?

Our lead master trained for an initial 7 years at a Lanna samnak and has more than 20 years tattooing under recognised Ajarns affiliated with Wat U Mong and Wat Phra Singh in northern Thailand. He continues to study with senior masters today.

Do I get a Khata blessing with my tattoo?

Yes, every session includes the Khata mantra chanted by the master while the Yant is being tattooed. This is what activates its protective power and is non-negotiable in our practice — it is never an extra you pay for.

Should I tip the master? How much?

A tip is appreciated but never expected — our prices are complete. If you wish to leave something, 200–500 THB is common, or you can bring a small traditional offering (flowers, incense, cigarettes). We'll explain on the day.

How far in advance should I book?

In high season (November–February) we recommend booking 2–4 weeks ahead. Outside high season, a few days' notice is usually enough. The 1,000 THB deposit confirms your slot and is deducted from the final price.

Is the Old City studio or the temple tour the better experience?

Both are authentic. The Old City studio is faster, more comfortable and ideal for short stays. The temple tour is longer, more spiritual, includes an Ajarn monk and traditional offerings — choose it if you want the deepest experience.

Book your Sak Yant in Chiang Mai

Send us your dates and the design you have in mind — we reply within 2 hours during office hours, in English, no obligation.

Ready for your Sak Yant in Chiang Mai?

Send us your travel dates and the design you have in mind. We reply within 2 hours during office hours, walk you through every option, and only ask for a deposit once you are sure.

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