Getting a Sak Yant in Chiang Mai with Ajarn Dej

Who is Ajarn Dej?

Ajarn Dej works with traditional tools, including a khem sak and small disposable needle tips. His khem sak is cleaned with alcohol, heated over fire, and sterilized, while smaller needles are used only once. He uses regular tattoo ink, often compounded with herbs as part of his own working method.

Outside of tattooing, he also creates candles, amulets, and talismans, extending his practice into other traditional forms. He believes that the strength of Sak Yant is tied to the individual’s belief and esteem, and that this cannot be forced from outside. It has to come from within the person receiving it.

Ajarn Dej incorporates Lanna script into his designs, keeping a clear connection to his northern cultural heritage. Although his work is deeply traditional, he has also shared it internationally, traveling to places such as China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong to perform Sak Yant abroad.

He works with both men and women and brings a thoughtful, grounded presence to consultations. We are honored to collaborate with him. In the rare event that he becomes unavailable on your reserved date due to unforeseen circumstances, we will coordinate with you to reschedule or arrange another trusted ajarn so your Sak Yant experience in Chiang Mai remains meaningful and well supported.

Item	Details
Pick-up Point	Your hotel or Airbnb in Chiang Mai city – your hotel info can be emailed to us after your online reservation – must be within 5 km (3 miles) of old-town Chiang Mai – for hotels outside of the pickup zone, a central meeting point can be arranged
Drop-off Point	Your Chiang Mai hotel
Duration	Between 3 to 5 hours, depending on the distance of your hotel, consultation length, tattoo size and complexity, and the number of people in your private group
Physical Level	Moderate (some pain is involved and varies depending on placement and your own tolerance)
Cultural Rating	High – deep cultural exchange
Ages	18+ (must be 18 or older to receive a tattoo, though observers may be younger)
Group Size	Private – Max 4 Sak Yant / people per booking (larger groups may be possible on request)

Why We Created This Experience

We created this experience to help honor one of Thailand’s sacred ancestral practices, while also creating a respectful space for guests who are looking for perspective, grounding, or meaning during important parts of their lives. Many people come to Sak Yant while moving through hardship, personal obstacles, trauma, or major transitions. We understand those difficult waters more than most, because WSE was born in similar ones, and we have become deeply experienced at helping guests feel supported as they step into something intensely personal.

For us, that begins with protecting the integrity of the practice. Sak Yant should not be reduced to a tattoo shop appointment or a co-op environment that strips away the traditions, atmosphere, and respect that make it what it is. It should be received in the ajarn’s own sacred space, where regard is shown to the master, his lineage, his knowledge, his years of training, and the traditional setting in which this practice is intended to be given. That is how Thai people have long received it, and that is the spirit we believe deserves to be preserved.

That respect also extends to the value of the ajarn’s work. We do not pressure ajarns to lower their rates simply because someone is a foreign guest, and we do not try to push unnecessary volume through them. We honor the rates they set for their time, skill, experience, and self-worth. We are equally careful about who we choose to work with. After vetting more than 70 ajarns around the country, we narrowed our partnerships down to those who meet the standards we care most about and that our guests care most about too: hygiene, quality, and traditions. Ajarn Dej is one of the Chiang Mai ajarns who meets those standards.

What comes from all of that is an experience that is fully facilitated, carefully translated, and grounded in real respect. We do not promise spirituality, because that comes from within each guest. What we do offer is something sacred and ancestral, shared in the traditional and authentic way it is intended to be given, with the support, context, and care that help guests feel safe enough to be fully present for it.

What Makes This Experience Different

Many visitors imagine getting a Sak Yant means showing up at a famous temple, waiting in line, and accepting a fast process with limited explanation. We built this experience around something much more personal, deliberate, and respectful than that.

We do not take people into high-volume settings where the consultation may be rushed, the translation minimal, or the atmosphere less personal than many guests expect. Instead, you visit a carefully vetted ajarn in a more intimate setting, with a licensed guide who helps you communicate clearly from beginning to end.

The consultation is the heart of the day. Rather than choosing a tattoo only by appearance, you have the opportunity to speak openly about your goals, fears, values, and current challenges so Ajarn Dej can suggest something more appropriate, more personal, and more closely aligned with your intentions.

What to Expect During the Day

On the day of your Sak Yant ceremony, your guide will meet you at your hotel or at an agreed meeting point in central Chiang Mai. From there, you travel together toward the quieter area where Ajarn Dej’s samnak is located.

During the journey, your guide helps introduce the process, explain how Sak Yant fits into Thai life today, and answer many of the questions guests already carry with them before they arrive. By the time you reach the samnak, the day already begins to feel more grounded and intentional.

This is not a tourist tattoo shop. It is a working traditional setting, often with local people present as well, and the atmosphere helps you understand how seriously Ajarn Dej takes his practice. The ceremonial portions are relatively brief, but the overall experience is shaped by the quiet, the ritual, the tools, the setting, and the time taken to do things properly.

With your guide translating throughout, you will sit down with Ajarn Dej for your consultation. This is where you talk about the parts of your life that matter most to you, including your goals, fears, values, and challenges, so he can recommend a yant that feels more personally suited to your needs. If you already have a design in mind, you are welcome to discuss that with him as well.

Once the consultation is complete and the design and placement are agreed upon, the Sak Yant begins. Traditional rituals are observed before and after, and while the tattoo itself can sometimes be finished quickly, larger or more intricate designs naturally take longer, depending on the size, detail, and location chosen.

After your Sak Yant has been completed and blessed, your guide brings you for a simple local meal so you can recharge, reflect on the experience, and ask any remaining questions that may have come up during the process.

When the meal is finished, we arrange transport back to your hotel so you can rest, process the day, and continue onward with your new Sak Yant.

How choosing a Sak Yant really works

We generally discourage guests from choosing a yantra before meeting the ajarn. The reason is simple: many definitions found online are vague, inaccurate, or based on someone else’s personal reasons for getting that design.

During your consultation, you can tell Ajarn Dej what matters most to you in life, what you want to work on, and what challenges you are currently facing. Based on your intentions, he can suggest a yant that feels more personal and more relevant to you than something chosen only by appearance.

You always have the right to request your own design, but traditionally, Thai people trust that the ajarn is choosing something appropriate based on what has been shared with him. The deeper and more honest the conversation, the more meaningful the outcome often becomes.

The characters surrounding a yant are not ordinary sentences. They are combinations of old and newer scripts written in code, with each character representing a kata. Only trained ajarns can properly read them, and often only within their own lineage.

What Sak Yant size is included?

Our experience includes a Sak Yant up to the same size and detail level as the popular Haw Taew (5 lines) design. There are thousands of designs within that size and detail level. Your ajarn can always find a unique yantra design that embodies your intentions, within the included size and detail level.

Interested in getting a larger/more detailed Sak Yant?

Getting a larger or more detailed Sak Yant is more of a personal aesthetic choice (as there are designs for every need/value/goal in all sizes, so there are no limitations to the included size for meeting your potential enchantments. Here are some of the potential costs for increasing Sak Yant with your ajarn (these are some of the commonly requested designs, of course, with over 10,000 possibilities, we can’t list them all):

Haw Taew	Chat Pet	Gao Yod s/m	Gao Yod l/xl	Paed Tidt s/m	Paed Tidt l/xl	Suea Koo s/m	Suea Koo l/xl
inc.	inc.	3000 THB extra	4000 THB extra	4000 THB extra	5000 THB extra	6000 THB extra	8000 THB extra

*inc. = example of included size and/or detail level. Any extra rates are the cost in addition to the base rate.

This chart is just for a rough reference. With so many variations of each design, it may not cover some specific designs, and is best used for a mental idea for preparation on how much baht to bring based on roughly the size and/or detail level you might wish to increase to. Challenging locations may come with a slight additional increase in cost too, like ribs or arms, depending on the design, size, detail, and challenge level of the placement.

Requesting specific designs which are not from Ajarn Dej’s personal collection also comes at additional costs, sometimes much more than this chart, though he likely has very similar designs which he can offer within the range suggested above.

Please be sure to bring enough cash with you to accommodate the size and detail you are considering, as there are no ATMs nearby, and any additional costs will need to be paid directly to your ajarn after your consultation with him, to determine the right design for you, but before he starts tattooing.

Examples of larger or more detailed Sak Yant

Please note: These larger Sak Yant shown are for example purposes only. Please do not select any of these based on appearance. They are just to give an idea of the non-included size and detail level of an Ink Experience, which comes at an additional cost, payable locally, based on the size, placement, and detail level chosen.

Is this experience right for me?

This experience is a strong fit for travelers who want more than just a tattoo appointment. It works especially well for people who value consultation, context, translation, and a more personal connection to the process.

It is also a good fit for travelers who want to work with a vetted ajarn in a traditional setting rather than taking a chance on a rushed walk-in environment with limited explanation or unclear hygiene practices.

If you are open-minded, curious, and willing to have an honest conversation about what matters to you before choosing your design, this is one of the most meaningful ways to experience Sak Yant in Chiang Mai.

What to Bring

A little practical preparation helps this day run more comfortably.

• Loose, comfortable clothing
  Wear something breathable that gives easy access to the area you may want tattooed.
• Dark-colored clothing
  This helps avoid visible marks from ink or small spots of blood during and after the tattoo.
• Cash in Thai baht
  Bring enough cash for any size upgrade, tips, drinks, or personal spending. There are no ATMs nearby if you decide to increase the size or detail level of your Sak Yant.

What is included in your Ink Experience in Chiang Mai?

Your Sak Yant experience includes the essentials needed for the day to flow smoothly, respectfully, and with good support throughout.

• Information provided before your experience
  Helpful details are shared in advance so you can be properly prepared.
• Pick-up and drop-off transfers to your hotel
  Your hotel must be centrally located within Chiang Mai or a central meeting point can be arranged.
• Private vehicle to reach the ajarn
  We use a private vehicle to get to the ajarn, as he is located outside the city. We will use either a small SUV or a bigger Songtaew, depending on your group size.
• Specially trained and licensed guide
  Your guide facilitates the experience and translates throughout the day.
• Fully translated consultation with Ajarn Dej
  You can discuss what yant would best suit you based on your values, passions, fears, goals, or current challenges.
• All offerings for the ritual
  Flowers, incense, and the necessary ritual materials are included.
• A high-quality, traditional, and clean Sak Yant
  The included size is up to the same size and detail level as a standard Haw Taew. Larger or more detailed work requires extra payment direct to the ajarn.
• Food
  A simple lunch and snacks are included to help keep your energy levels up.
• Pre-arranged support guests
  Friends or family who wish to observe and support you during the experience must be added during checkout as part of your private group.

What is not included in your Ink Experience in Chiang Mai?

A few things remain separate from your booking so you can stay flexible around the rest of your Chiang Mai plans.

• Travel insurance (Compulsory)
  We recommend SafetyWing.
• International flights or transportation to and from the itinerary’s start point
• Accommodation in Chiang Mai
  We suggest Agoda for hotel options.
• Activities not listed in the itinerary
• Meals not listed in the itinerary
• All drinks
• Gratuities, tips, and spending money

Ready to Reserve Your Date?

If this feels like the right Chiang Mai Sak Yant experience for you, it is best to reserve your date as soon as your travel plans are confirmed.

We suggest planning your Sak Yant after any water-based activities such as beach visits, rafting, or elephant bathing, and when possible, keeping the rest of your day flexible so you are not rushing to a flight, bus, or another activity immediately after.

Email us with any questions you may have regarding this experience at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

Can women receive a Sak Yant with Ajarn Dej?

Yes. Ajarn Dej works with both men and women. As with our current practice for Sak Yant experiences, no photos of women are allowed during the tattooing process itself, though photos before and after are fine.

What tools does Ajarn Dej use?

Ajarn Dej works with a traditional khem sak and small disposable needle tips. The khem sak is cleaned with alcohol, heated over fire, and heat sterilized. When small disposable needle tips are used, they are used only once. New ink pots and new gloves are also used for each guest.

Does Ajarn Dej use Lanna script?

Yes. One of the distinctive features of Ajarn Dej’s work is his incorporation of Lanna script into his Sak Yant designs, keeping a strong connection to northern Thai cultural heritage.

Can I choose my own design?

Yes, you can request a design of your own. That said, we generally encourage guests to first have the consultation and hear Ajarn Dej’s suggestion, as many online definitions are either vague, inaccurate, or based on someone else’s personal reasons for getting that yant.

Does the guide speak English?

Yes. English is the language we guarantee for your guide, along with Thai or the relevant local dialect when speaking with the ajarn. We cannot guarantee knowledge of other languages.

Does Ajarn Dej only work in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is where this experience is based, but Ajarn Dej has also traveled internationally to share his work in places such as China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. His home practice, however, remains rooted in the traditions and setting of northern Thailand.

How long should I plan for the experience?

The average experience is about 3 to 5 hours, but exact timing depends on transport distance, traffic, weather, consultation length, pain threshold, tattoo size and complexity, and the number of people in your private booking. It is best to make this the main thing you are doing that day.

What is in the ink?

Ajarn Dej uses regular tattoo ink, often compounded with herbs as part of his own method. More broadly, ajarns tend to keep their exact recipes private, though we have also confirmed there is no lead in the inks.

Our other Thailand Experiences

Need a place to stay in Chiang Mai?

To make things easier, we’ve added an interactive map below where you can search for accommodations across Chiang Mai. Input your travel dates and number of guests to explore options from trusted platforms like Agoda and Booking.com. We’ve pinned a spot close to Wat Chedi Luang, a central landmark in the heart of Chiang Mai’s historic Old City. This area is perfect for anyone wanting to connect with the ancient culture of the north while being within walking distance to the city’s temples, markets, food vendors, and more.

Please double-check the currency displayed, as it may vary depending on your device settings or the website you’re viewing.

Supporting Local Projects with our TRiP Foundation

For every TRiP that you go on with WSE Travel, we will donate 2% of the total sales price to an environmental or community-based project in the country you’re visiting. We want to ensure that every guest we help, in turn, helps support and preserve the destination we’re experiencing together as a direct result. We live by an ethos to Travel Responsibly & Impact Positively (TRiP).

For more information on the projects supported by this experience, please visit our Thailand TRIP projects.

Cancellation & Rebooking Policy

All tours, services, and experiences booked through WSE Travel are bound to our Terms and Conditions, which were modeled after most other travel services, such as flights, hotels, and other tour operators.

At Where Sidewalks End, your reservation is more than a transaction — it’s a direct contract with local professionals who rely on this work as a primary source of income. As such, we are obligated to honor the livelihoods of our local partners — including guides, Ajarns (masters), and drivers — who dedicate their time exclusively to your experience.

In many of the destinations where we operate, labor protections and fair wage commitments are upheld by local laws — and we are both ethically and contractually required to adhere to them. Once a booking is confirmed, the service providers committed to your experience are financially compensated for reserving their time — even in the event of cancellation. This ensures fair and dignified treatment for all involved in delivering your experience.

If You Need to Cancel or Reschedule

All bookings are subject to the following terms:

More than 14 Days’ Notice

Your payment will be placed into a Lifetime Deposit (Safety Deposit Box). This can be:

• Used for a future date
• Transferred to a friend or family member

Refunds are not available unless WSE Travel cancels your booking due to reasons beyond your control.

7–14 Days’ Notice

A 50% rebooking fee will apply. This helps offset the compensation obligations to your dedicated team of local guides and service providers, who have reserved their day exclusively for your private tour and may not be able to secure alternate work with us or others on short notice.

Less than 7 Days’ Notice

The full cost of the tour is retained to pay the locals contracted in full. As this is a private experience, your local team’s time is fully dedicated to your session. A new team will be hired for any future rebooking.

These policies are a compassionate extension of our official Terms & Conditions, designed to support both our guests and the ethical standards of responsible tourism.

Travel Insurance or Liability Waiver Required

Because life can be unpredictable — and because we are required to uphold our commitments to local partners — all guests must either:

• Provide proof of comprehensive travel insurance, or
• Sign a Liability Waiver Form at the start of their trip

We highly recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance — trusted by global travelers for its flexible, affordable coverage and very competitive rates.

Travel insurance can help protect you from financial losses related to:

• Illness
• Missed flights
• Emergency cancellations
• Non-refundable bookings

If you choose to travel without Travel Insurance, you will be required to fill out a Liability Waiver Form at the beginning of your trip. 

Thank You for Traveling Responsibly

We deeply appreciate your understanding and support of ethical tourism. Your booking directly sustains local communities and helps preserve cultural traditions in a meaningful and lasting way.

If you have any questions or need help rescheduling, please contact us — we’re always happy to assist.