1. Select the total number of people in your group
Include everyone joining the experience, including any support guests or observers.
2. Select the total number of Sak Yant being booked
Choose how many tattoos will be received during your private booking, whether that is one person getting one or more Sak Yant, or multiple people receiving Sak Yant within the same group. (Unsure if the design you’re interested in is more than 1 Sak Yant? Contact us first!)
3. Choose your date and available time
The calendar above shows live availability. Once your booking is confirmed, that time is held privately for your group. Space is limited, and when other reservations are made, the space becomes unavailable to book.
4. Proceed to Book Now
Please make sure all booking fields are selected correctly for the Book Now button to appear. Proceed to your cart and checkout to apply payment and confirm your reservation.
After we confirm your reservation with Ajarn Rung, you’ll receive a welcome email asking for a few extra details, such as your pickup location. If you do not see it, please check your junk mail folder and reply as soon as you can.
Your booking covers the included experience described. Bringing Thai baht is only recommended if you may want a larger or more detailed Sak Yant after your consultation, as any size upgrade is paid directly to Ajarn Rung, and there are no ATMs nearby. Details for upgrades below.
Getting a Sak Yant in Chiang Mai with Ajarn Rung
Who is Ajarn Rung?
For this Chiang Mai Ink Experience, we practice with Ajarn Rung, a highly respected Lanna-style Sak Yant master whose life has been shaped by both Buddhism and the old traditions of sacred yantra.
Ajarn Rung is a practicing Buddhist monk who has been giving Sak Yant blessings since he was a teenager, beginning in 2001. His path is one of service, discipline, and continuous learning.
He comes from a long family line of Sak Yant masters and is one of the three primary masters currently living in Chiang Mai. That lineage, combined with his own years of seeking knowledge, has made him one of the most meaningful ajarns to sit with in the north.
Ajarn Rung spent years as a nomadic monk, traveling across multiple countries in search of masters who could expand his knowledge of Sak Yant and deepen his understanding of the practice. He later became a solitary sage living in the forest, dedicating himself to meditation, Sak Yant methods, and the kind of inner study that has long been associated with the Russi, or hermit sages, honored in samnaks throughout Thailand.
Though he was relatively unknown to the outside world before we began working together, he has since guided hundreds of international guests through this ancestral practice. Much of that recognition came naturally as guests, bloggers, and writers shared how meaningful their time with him had been.
Ajarn Rung’s northern style is known for fine, concise line work and a light hand. He is also deeply mindful of hygiene. His khem sak tips are heavily sterilized, and every guest receives new ink pots and new latex gloves for their session.
He works with both men and women, listens carefully during consultations, and often shares thoughtful Buddhist reflections in a calm, gentle way. He is kind, empathetic, and also carries a warm sense of humor that makes guests feel at ease very quickly.
In the event Ajarn Rung becomes unavailable on the date you reserve due to a last-minute Buddhist ceremony or funeral he must attend, we will coordinate with you to either reschedule your appointment with him or move your reservation to another one of our trusted ajarns offering Sak Yant in Chiang Mai.
| 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 protect and honor one of Thailand’s sacred ancestral traditions, while also giving guests a respectful place to step into something deeply personal during meaningful chapters of their lives. Many people arrive at Sak Yant while facing hardship, trauma, uncertainty, or major life obstacles. We understand those waters intimately because WSE was born from them too, and we have learned how to hold a safe, supportive space for guests who are looking for grounding, perspective, or a different way of seeing their journey.
That begins with preserving the integrity of the practice itself. Sak Yant should not be reduced to a tattoo shop appointment or a co-op environment that strips away the atmosphere, customs, and reverence that give it its true depth. It should be received in the ajarn’s own sacred space, where respect is shown to the master, his lineage, his years of training, his wisdom, and the traditional setting in which this practice is intended to be given. That is how Thai people have long approached it, and that is the spirit we believe deserves to be maintained.
It also means respecting the ajarn’s value. We do not try to push volume through our ajarns or pressure them to lower their rates because a guest is foreign. We honor the rates they set for their time, their discipline, their sacred work, and their self-worth. We are equally careful about who we partner with. After vetting more than 70 ajarns around the country, we narrowed our list down to those who meet the standards we care most about and that our guests care most about too: hygiene, quality, and traditions. Ajarn Rung is one of the Chiang Mai ajarns who meet those standards.
The result is an experience that is fully facilitated, carefully translated, and built on real respect. We do not promise spirituality, because that comes from within each guest. What we do offer is the chance to receive something sacred and ancestral in the traditional and authentic way it is intended to be given, with the care, context, and guidance that help guests feel safe enough to be fully present for it.
What Makes This Experience Different
Many people imagine getting a Sak Yant means arriving at a famous temple, waiting through crowds, and accepting a rushed process with little explanation or personal connection. We built this experience around something far more careful, intimate, and respectful than that.
We do not take guests into high-volume settings where consultations are limited, hygiene may feel unclear, or the process becomes more transactional than meaningful. Instead, you visit a carefully vetted ajarn in a more private, traditional environment, supported by a licensed guide who helps you communicate clearly from the moment the day begins until the moment it ends.
The consultation remains the center of the experience. Rather than choosing only by appearance, you are invited to talk openly about your goals, fears, values, and present challenges so Ajarn Rung can suggest something more fitting, more personal, and more rooted in your actual life.
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 rural area outside the city where Ajarn Rung’s samnak is located.
During the drive, your guide helps introduce the process, shares how Sak Yant fits into Thai life today, and answers many of the questions guests are already carrying with them before they ever arrive. By the time you reach the samnak, you begin to feel the difference in atmosphere right away.
This is not a tourist tattoo shop. It is a working sacred space, often with local people there as well, waiting for blessings, guidance, and protection from Ajarn Rung. The sounds, smells, statues, masks, and incense all help shape the experience into something that feels much bigger than a tattoo appointment.
With your guide translating throughout, you will sit down with Ajarn Rung for your consultation. This is where you speak about the parts of your life that matter most to you, including your values, goals, fears, 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 ceremonial portions are relatively short, the tattoo itself can take anywhere from a brief session to much longer, depending on the size, intricacy, and location chosen.
After your Sak Yant has been completed and blessed, your guide brings you for a simple local meal, often in a nearby market setting, so you can recharge, reflect on what you have just experienced, 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 selecting a yantra before meeting the ajarn. The reason is simple: many definitions found online are vague, inaccurate, or tied to someone else’s personal reasons for receiving that design.
During your consultation, you can tell Ajarn Rung what matters to you most in life, what challenges you are facing, and what you hope to work on. 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 more honest and thoughtful 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. | inc. | 3000 THB extra | inc. | 3000 THB extra | 7000-9000 THB extra | 9000-12,000 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 Rung’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 Rung
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 Rung?
Yes. Ajarn Rung works with both men and women. Because he is a practicing monk, we ask that no photos be taken of women during the tattooing process itself, though photos before and after are fine.
Are the needles clean, and are new items used for each guest?
Yes. Cleanliness is one of the main reasons we vetted Ajarn Rung so carefully. His khem sak tips are sterilized through heat, UV treatment, and high-concentration alcohol. New ink pots and new gloves are used for every guest.
Is Ajarn Rung a practicing monk?
Yes, he is. That is one of the elements that makes time with him feel especially meaningful for many guests, though what matters most is not the novelty of monkhood itself, but the depth of his training, his lineage, and the way he carries the old traditions into the consultation and ritual.
Can I drink alcohol after receiving a Sak Yant?
The guidance around alcohol is generally about mindfulness rather than absolute prohibition. Many ajarns explain that drinking in moderation and with positive intention is different from abusive or destructive drinking. The larger principle is to live in a way that does not harm yourself or others, as the power of a Sak Yant is tied to how you carry yourself afterward.
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.
Can I bring a friend or support guest?
Yes, but they need to be included when you book by selecting the total number of people in your private group and the total number of Sak Yant being reserved. This helps us plan the correct guide time, transport, food, and offerings for everyone attending.
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?
Every ajarn keeps the exact recipe of his ink somewhat private, but what we have been told is that the black ink is generally made from charcoal, herbs, and oil. Red ink traditionally uses herbs, oils, and a red flower pigment from Myanmar. We have also confirmed that 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.
Tine Pauwels (verified owner) –
This was the second time we booked an sak yant expierience with arjan rung.
And we can only recomend it more than the first time.
Our guide khai gave us even more information then we allready had. His knowledge is amazing.
Arjan Rung gave us an unforgetable expierience again.
He took his time to give us the wright sak yants for our story. We are really happy with our sak yants and the hole expierience.
Thank you so much Arjan Rung.
We will see you next year.
Amy Keating (verified owner) –
I had a Sak Yant tattoo with Ajarn Rung in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This was such an incredible experience and went so smoothly. Our guide was great with translating what I wanted and needed with the ajarn as well as coming up with a final design. The tattoo only took around 10 minutes with minimal pain! I will definitely be back next time I’m in Thailand. Thank you WSE!🙏🏼
Oliver Barnett (verified owner) –
The process was smooth, efficient, and *nearly* painless. My Guide, Khun Noi, was adept at easing any potential concerns throughout the process and was lively and energetic in his discussions surrounding the history of the Sak Yant and Thailand itself.
We were taken from the hotel straight to Ajarn Rung’s studio, and after a brief discussion where I was to write down my perspective on this important ceremony and what I was doing it for. After that, Ajaran Rung and Khun Noi drew an accurate description of what the Sak Yant was to look like and its precise meanings to ensure I wouldn’t forget it after I had left Thailand. The procedure itself was relatively short; no longer than ten minutes for the ink to be fully applied to my skin. After some brief lingering pain, I have felt very little inconvenience at all in the following days since I have embarked on this spirtual adventure.
To those considering this process, I would endorse it wholeheartedly as a more authentic experience if one is looking for a tattoo to commemorate their time in Thailand. WSE ran a professional service throughout my time working with them, and I would utilise their services again should I require a second Sak Yant in the future.
Kind Regards,
Oliver
Melissa (verified owner) –
I never even wanted a tattoo until I found out about Sak Yants after moving to China and one of my colleagues came back from Thailand with one and told me about it; after that, I knew I would get one! One of my daughters met me in Thailand for Christmas, and when we went to Chiang Mai, we chose WSE to take us for this wonderful experience. It was truly amazing, especially being 54 ears old at the time, and I loved the Sak Yant Ajarn Rung designed for me as well as the placement he chose.
Fast forward 3 years and I met some friends in Chiang Mai because one of them wanted a Sak Yant after seeing mine and hearing about the experience, so of course we contacted WSE to take us to Ajarn Rung! This time I had a specific design I wanted, and after checking my birth date, he deemed it appropriate and I let him choose placement again.
Now I find myself ready for my third (and possibly 4th) and last Sak Yant, which I will go to Chiang Mai to get before I leave Thailand in the next year or two(I could get it here in Bangkok, but I want the same ajarn to do all of them). It goes without saying that I will contact WSE for the experience as they do a wonderful job of explaining everything and leading you through the process, as well as translating conversation between you and Ajarn Rung.
Don’t hesitate – just do it!
Amit Rawat (verified owner) –
Selecting WSE travel for getting Sak Yant done in Thailand would be the best decision I made. Right from booking till the end the whole experience was amazing and I must say no one would have done it better.
I must mention Khun Noi is an amazing travel guru and he went above and beyond during the whole experience. Ajarn Rung is very knowledgeable and made sure the whole experience was comfortable.
In the end, anyone thinking of getting a Sak Yant done in Thailand should look no further than selecting WSE.
Jessica (verified owner) –
Getting a sack yant with Ajarn Rung was an amazing experience. Our guide, Khai, was extremely informative with the history of Thai Buddhism and the sak yant. He kept asking if we had any questions to which we did not because he was so thorough with his information.
Meeting ajarn rung was a magical experience. The energy and spirituality of it all is indescribable. Being able to talk to him with the help of a translator made the experience worth while.
The sak yant is more painful than a tattoo gun but it’s over very quickly. I didn’t expect him to be done so fast! Sore for a few hours but fine by the next day. I’m impressed with the speed of the healing process.
Very impressed with WSE and beyond happy with our experience.
Anthony (verified owner) –
We had an amazing and unforgettable experience with WSE and Ajarn Rung. It started with us being picked up from our hotel and a full day of learning and preparing for the Sak Yant. Our guide was informative, friendly, and open to all of our questions. The Ajarn was also very welcoming and created great designs that were custom for each of us.
Highly recommend this experience of Sak Yants are meaningful to you. Note that they do hurt more than expected, but well worth it!
Marieke Litjens (verified owner) –
If you are looking for the full experience, look no further! I had the best experience with my tour guide Khai and Ajarn Rung!
Khai is very knowledgeable and we had very good conversations about what a Sak Yant means in Buddism as well as for Thai society, but also during lunch we talked about the differences in cultures in Asia. Khai always made sure there was room for additional questions from my side and always explained beforehand what would happen, which was very reassuring. Ajarn Rung was very kind and funny. He listened very well to what I had prepared (how 2023 was and how I would like to go forth in 2024). Ajarn Rung made the most beautiful tattoo, and even let me alter it if I wanted to. I got mine on my shoulderblade, it was my second tattoo, and the pain was bearable for sure, but just inconsistent in comparison to a tattoo gun (which might be the part that is experienced uncomfortable, while it actually isn’t, it’s just getting used to). After the tattoo, I was guided to the blessing part (which is prepared for you), and at lunch, Khai and I talked more about the tattoo and the amulet Ajarn Rung gave me. The amulet market was very interesting to visit because you could see different ways of generating different blessings! Overall, everything is so well organized that you don’t have to worry and just immerse yourself in the experience, which is an experience for a lifetime. Thank you Khai and Ajarn Rung for all the knowledge and the amazing sak yant!
Kevin Jacques (verified owner) –
This Sak Yant tour was one of the best and the most unforgettable experience we have ever experienced in our life!
We booked the tour 2 days prior and already the pre-tour information was amazing; an e-mail was sent straight away on my inbox with all the information we needed for the D day : all you need to know before the tattoo, they already answered a few questions we might have had and explained us how we could get the most out of the the tour with the Ajarn.
Kent, our tour guide, had a good level of English and gave us a lot of information about the city if Chiang Mai and the history of Sak Yant. He took us to the Amulet market first where he explained why amulets are so important for Buddhist people and what it represent for everyone of us. He choose two amulets for us depending on what we liked/expected from the tattoo so we could show the Ajarn on arrival.
We went to the Ajarn studio and the atmosphere was as expected, intense and warm. We both had a chat with him and he drew both the best Sak Yant he could think of for us depending on what we told him beforehand.
We both agreed with what he offered and off we went, tattoo time! It only took a few minutes and it was already done.. super professional and he is very talented. We had another chat with him before leaving.
We also went to the local market to grab some local food and it was soooo good! We tried something special from Chiang Mai and it was awesome.
From the beginning to the end, all the experience was as we expected and even more. We can not thank Kent and the online team enough for this experience. If we had to do it again, we would do exactly the same way and with the same company.
Good job guys, keep up the good work! Thank you again for this unforgettable experience.
Kevin and Juliette
Tine Pauwels (verified owner) –
We both had an amazing expierience, our guide Noi was the best he explained everything very good he made the communication with us and the Arjan really easy. It was like they say an expierience not just a sak yant tattoo. It was worth every bath we paid. We really want to thank Noi and Arjan Rung for this on forgettable day. We hope to come back in a year or so and have this expierience again.
Laurie V LaRussa (verified owner) –
Can not say enough good things about our experience with Ajarn Rung and Khun Kai!! Khun was so knowledgeable, explaining everything every step of the way! He made our experience so meaningful, and easy. We were picked up, everything was explained in detail, all verves calmed. We could never have accomplished this entire experience so perfectly without WSE!! Thank you again and again!! Laurie & Joe
Oscar (verified owner) –
The experience was great. Can tell ajarn really wants to help you. Ajarn takes time to understand you and give many wonderful advice. The sakyant also came out extremely beautiful. Guide Noi was friendly patient and takes pride in his work, sharing any history and information that he knows.
Sheryl Cox (verified owner) –
Such a beautiful experience. My brother and I got the sak Yant tattoos while my mom came along. And was able to participate in the blessing at the end.
Our guide Noi was incredible. He was very funny and did a fantastic job educating us on the importance of the tattoos and explaining a lot of beautiful parts of Buddhism.
This was such a beautiful and powerful experience and I cannot recommend it enough. You see so many signs advertising tattoos in Thailand but doing is through WSE and fully immersing yourself and learning what it is all about was the most incredible experience we could’ve ever asked for.
ianspetrie (verified owner) –
Great experience. Our guide was great, we learned a lot, and have been given a lot to think and reflect on. Will absolutely be doing this again when I’m back in Chiang Mai.
Eli Herrera (verified owner) –
WSE experience was definitely worth it in my opinion. On the taxi drive Khun Khai initiated conversation and explained the culture behind Sak Yants and answered all of our questions before arriving to the monk. Once we arrived he showed us a common prayer and then the consultation with the monk began.
Having Khun Khai to translate was worth the money in itself and ultimately I ended up with a tattoo I wanted and enjoyed the experience; 10/10.
Did not stop to see the market (personal choice) but the lunch stop had really good Khao Soi.
Great experience, a little over priced, but would recommend for a unique tattoo experience!
Jessica (verified owner) –
Fantastic experience! I’ve been trying to schedule a sak yant with Where Sidewalks End for several years, but between a busy schedule and pandemic travel restrictions, years passed before it became a reality. But the experience was worth the wait! Email support from the company founder, and in-person support from the tour guide and the Ajarn himself, were all wonderful. A few days later and the tattoo is already healed. Thank you WSE!
Brittany –
The sak yant experience through WSE was very special and recommend it for anyone looking to learn about sak yant meaning, Thai Buddhism, amulets, and of course get a sak yant tattoo from a skilled ajahn. Thank you to WSE and Khai for the amazing experience.
Myrte Molenaar (verified owner) –
Had the most amazing experience! At first I was so nervous but my guide Khai made me at ease with his kindness. He was great at explaining everything about Sak Yant and about the schedule for the day. I could tell my story to him which he translated and when he was not sure about how I meant my words he would ask for clarification. All the responses and advice I got were really focussed on me even tough I did not tell that much. I would recommend everyone to bring their notebook to make notes in order to reread everything that has been said as this was something I found helpful in remembering everything (as it can be quite much). Ajarn Rung was nice during the whole thing he would take in my preferences about how I wanted it to look and the placing where he chose the blessings. He would smile and make me feel comfortable during the whole process, as I was quite scared as it was my first tattoo. After we had really nice food and a fun trip to a market where Khai explained more about the culture which was very nice. All and all, I had a great day and look back at it as a very magical experience :)
NATALIIA PIVOVAROVA (verified owner) –
It was a very special experience! Everything Ajarn Rung resonated with me and was important to hear. Lots of gratitude to my guide Noi and Ajarn Rung!
Billy Butler (verified owner) –
I had the most amazing experience with my sak yant done by ajarn rung. A big thank you to my guide Valentino who from the very beginning was very helpful and insightful. Having a guide with you from the start makes the whole experience unforgettable as they are able to translate and tell you the meaning of the entire ceremony. 10/10 and if I am ever in thialand again I for one know exactly who I will be booking my sak yant with.
Raja Zeitany (verified owner) –
We booked a Sak Yant experience with Ajarn Rung and it was outstanding. Noi, our guide was fantastic and the experiment was first class from start to finish. If you are thinking about a Sak Yant Experience in Chiang Mai look no further. This is truly a 10.
Eman El-Khamesy (verified owner) –
I had a really great Experience thanks to Valentino, it was easy to follow along and having someone explain and translate for me!
Ajarn Rung was very nice, also very fast and i have to say it was quite painless ( although that might be different from person to person).
I recommend WSE to anyone especially if you dont speak the language.
Ricardo Silva (verified owner) –
This was a wonderful experience.
The guide Tawan (Jim) spoke great English, explained the history behind these sacred tattoos and did a great job at listening to my life story and explaining it to Ajarn Rung.
I am very happy with my sak yant, the process was quick and Ajarn Rung did a great job.
I recommend this experience to anyone who is curious about getting a sak yant. It is painful but worth it :)
I am already thinking about the next one, maybe during this trip, who knows..
WSE travel worked really well and always got back to me in time.
Easy 5 stars
Simone Wicks (verified owner) –
The first time I went to Thailand I could not find a trustworthy organization so I was very excited to find WSE. I got my sak yant in January 2019 in Chiang Mai. Our guide was so friendly and knowledgable. My husband and I really enjoyed our time with him. I really thought about what I wanted my Sak Yant to mean and through our guide had a great conversation with the Ajarn. I loved his interpretation of what I needed. The whole experience was humbling and enlightening. I highly recommended using Where Sidewalks End for your Sak Yant tattooing experience!
Tips: The tattoo itself is so short and painless.
Really think about what you specifically want your blessing to be for and distill it down to 3-4 points. You can keep it broad but I found the more specific a topic I brought up the more personal the Ajarn’s interpretation meant to me.
Witold Janusik (verified owner) –
I can’t recommend enough Chang Mai Sak Yant experience. With Noi as my guide, everything was clear and full of knowledge. Noi helped through whole process with smile on his face, making me smile alongside. Ajarn Rung helped choosing the design that fits my needs, explained everything in detail and with his happy personality made the day perfect.
Mesha Harris (verified owner) –
This whole experience was amazing and completely worth every penny. I was greeted and picked up by my guide and driver who were both very nice. My guide talked me through everything to expected, talked to me about the different random facts of Chiang Mai, and bought me water on the way. We also made it a point to stop and the amulet market on the way to ensure that I could see it before it closed(as I booked an afternoon slot).
When we arrived, he explained everything to me as how to meditate and pray prior to entering. Ajarn Rung is known for laughing a lot and my experience with him was no different. I told him what protections I was looking for, he gave his recommendations based on my birthday and our conversation, and then created a one of a kind Sak Yant just for me. I got it on my back and the work it’s self took about ten minutes. Pain wise, I would say it was my second least painful; however, it is also the first one on my back. I’m sure the pain will very depending on the spot chosen. His constant laughter made me feel more at ease, even as my skin was being punctured. Ajarn Rung blessed me and I was back on my way to hotel, but not before grabbing a light bite to eat.
Make sure you schedule the right date(consider that Thailand might be ahead of your home country). I did have to reschedule, as I thought I was landing the day prior.
Overall amazing experience!
Jason Fong (verified owner) –
Could not have been happier with this whole experience. First I had to make changes to my order, as my partner decided last minute that she wanted one too, this was very easy and the team were very helpful.
On the day itself, we each had a chat with Arjan Rung about what was bothering us in life etc. And he gave advice on how we should approach it (this was greatly aided by our guide and translator Khun Khai). From there, the Arjan sketched up a design based on our chats and away we went. The tattoo itself only took less than 10mins and turned out great
Also, both my partner and I have never had a tattoo before this, so Khai convinced our driver to have one done before us so we could see the whole process!
Jean Poirier (verified owner) –
My experience with WSE was mixed. While I like my tattoo and I’m glad I had the experience I am disappointed that I didn’t receive the experience I was expecting. They pitch the experience as having a very spiritual conversation about yourself with the Ajarn that is facilitated by a fluent English speaker so that the Ajarn can custom design your Sak Yant based on this conversation. Our guide told us to pick from a short list of possible “blessings”, like one for love and compassion and one for good friendships. Even though I said at several points that I thought we would have a conversation that our Sak Yant would be based on, the guide just pushed us to pick from the list. The Ajarn then drew a tattoo based on these blessings. After the Sak Yants we were taken to a temple to look at amulets. We got our amulets blessed by a Monk at the temple which was kind of cool. I do understand that with a different guide and perhaps a different Ajarn, people may have a very different experience.
Brieanna Culver (verified owner) –
I had a wonderful time. The experience was like no other. While getting our sak Yants it started to storm a little and it poured. As soon as the Ajarn was done with my friends tattoo the rain stopped. Our guide, khun Lowey told us it meant serenity and the rain was a good sign.
Our guide even took us to thip net market afterwards to get us a case for our amulets that the Ajarn had blessed for us. I can’t wait to come back and get another sak yant and get reblessed.
Shannon McPherson (verified owner) –
This was an amazing experience. It was my first tattoo and I’m so happy with it! Arjun Rung is amazing, he’s so quick and skilled and my Sak Yant turned out so beautiful. My guide Noi was awesome too. He had a great sense of humor which helped me not be so nervous! Totally worth the money for a once in a lifetime experience and piece of mind that you’re getting a hygienic Sak Yant. ❤️
Jason Phang (verified owner) –
Had my Sak Yant done on 10th July and after everything, I’m really happy with it. The ink, the experience, the people. Right from when I registered and paid for it, I received emails from the WSE team to welcome me and update me on the status of my order
As we got nearer to the date of my appointment, the team connected me with my guide, Khun Noi, who was an excellent person for the job. He reached out to inform me that the originally planned Ajarn wasn’t available anymore and asked if I was okay with an Ajarn that isn’t a monk. Initially, I was disappointed and apprehensive with a non-monk Ajarn but after discussing with Khun Noi, I decided to go for it.
This being my first Sak Yant, I was looking for a deeply significant and personal connection with my Sak Yant and I must say: I really got what I wanted. Khun Noi brought me to Ajarn Sam – a young man that has skills beyond his age. He spoke to me sincerely (through Khun Noi’s translations) and listened to me as though he understood. He worked out an image for me and even on the paper, I loved it as he sketched it out. He explained to me how the symbols, the lotus, and the lines answered my questions. The experience was refreshing and… I can’t say for sure if it’ll be my last Sak Yant!
Danielle and Steve (verified owner) –
Yesterday my boyfriend and I did the Lanna Ink Experience and I cannot say enough about it!! It was a truly magical experience that you can’t get anywhere else. Our tour guide was so friendly and went above and beyond to answer our questions and calm my nerves down about being poked with a needle! The monk was so nice and funny and he did an absolutely amazing job on our Sak Yants. To end the trip going to a amulet market, learning about all the different ones and lunch at a local restaurant was the perfect ending! I would for sure do this again!!
tommy2lit (verified owner) –
Such an amazing experience! Very much worth the money to have such an intimate one on one experience and with a translator and sanitary conditions. The experience was as magical as the sak yant! I highly recommend going through this company if you are considering getting a sak yant. Ajarn Rung did a wonderful job and I couldn’t be happier!
Ashlie W (verified owner) –
This was a highlight of my trip! My guide was really nice and helpful. The monk was also really friendly! By telling the monk very little about myself and my birthday he was able to describe me to a T! It was a little crazy! I loved the tattoo he designed for me and it was very customized to what I wanted out of my tattoo. Afterward the guide took gave me an amulet and took me to a find a cover for it! All in all the experience was awesome! I highly recommend doing this! It hurts but it was over so fast!
Anja Seidel –
This was one of my favorite experiences in Thailand! My guide was very helpful and funny so I was’nt afraid at all altough it was my first tattoo. The ajarn is very good, he is fast and the results are amazing. I love my new tattoo and would definitely recommend doing this with WSE travel!
Woody Wu (verified owner) –
The Llana ink experience was everything I had hoped it would be. The guide, Khun Khai, was super awesome and helpful along the way with answering any questions we had. Ajarn Rung customized special Sak Yants just for us using his ancient astrological teachings and it turned out perfect. We even had an elephant tour booked at 12:45 on the same day and the guides made sure we would be back in time. Worth every penny.
Rochelle Ryden –
I was told about Ajarn Rung before I came and thought I knew what i was asking for. The first 2 sak yant’s being great experience as well . We were picked up promptly from our hotel ….Louie was very knowledgeable. when we arrived we were first ….. it had a relaxed at home feel. There was a drawing of a sak yant on his mirror …. not in the book i saw I asked what it was for. transformation is not what I thought I wanted. I is how ever exactly what I need! Ajarn Rung has a gentle hand and does beautiful work. The healing herbs in his Ink’s was a great help to heal my sak yant quickly. I was also given an amulet and given a tour of a amulet market in Chiang Mai. I cant wait to see every one at W.s.e. travel and Ajarn Rung again.
Sydney Weldon (verified owner) –
I got my Sak Yant back in February 2018 and could not have been happier with both the experience and the outcome!
I had hesitated about spending so much for the experience, but it was 100% worth it! It’s really not that much for a tattoo when you consider whats included and the piece of mind it gives you knowing you’re going to have a safe and hygienic experience.
Communication was great right off the bat–I received a very detailed email almost immediately. Any questions I had were answer quickly.
My guide during the experience was khun Noi. He was knowledgeable, very helpful throughout the whole process, and super friendly. He was great at calming any nerves and keeping my mind occupied during the tattooing process. Overall, a great guy!
The tattooing process itself was great as well. The arjun was friendly, funny, and gave some great insight about the tattoo he chose for me and why he chose it.
I’m not a particularly spiritual person but something drew me to these tattoos and I believe that mine has already helped me in more way than one. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience! It’s something that I will never forget.
Meagan Bogdanovs (verified owner) –
I was a littlw worried at first but soon after I booked I got a response email. I emailed them a couple times before my Sak Yant asking random questions about some concerns I had or what to bring to keep it clean and they got back to me ever time. Even after I had gotten the Sak Yant I emailed them and again they get back to me within a day.
The guide was fantastic and made me feel comfortable on the journey there and even through the process, when I was making faces because I was pain he would tell me a funny story to make me laugh and try to forget about the pain.
It was such a memorable and special experenice. I loved it. When we left my husband said he should’ve gotten one to. I will be getting another one if I ever come back to Chiang Mai.
Katy Shaw (verified owner) –
I did not have any design in mind when I arrived at the tattoo studio. I talked to the monk about why I wanted the tattoo while Prasong translated. The monk seemed genuinely puzzled over my decision to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. He chose a design which focused on building relationships, a foundation of good health, wisdom, and direction. I loved it immediately. What an amazing experience.
Brynn (verified owner) –
There are no words to describe how truly amazing this experience was. Our guide Lowey was hilarious and was such a pleasure to be around. We are truly thankful to have been able to share this experience with someone like him. Regarding the tattoo itself, our conversation with our monk could not have been more accurate. I’ve been stuck in a bit of a rut lately and being able to have someone look me in the eyes and articulate my strengths, weaknesses, and define the exact problems I’ve been having left me speechless. The entire experience surrounding the tattoo itself was absolutely magical, and I would have done it a million times over. I cannot thank Ian, Lowey, and WSE enough for allowing us to have this life-changing experience.
Nadia (verified owner) –
I am so overdue on this review and my apologies for being so late! My cousin and I had the most amazing experience. Our guide Noi was the sweetest, as was the ajarn. He walked us through the whole process and explained the meaning of each tattoo. Afterwards Noi took us to the amulet market and treated us to lunch. One of my favorite and most memorable moments in Thailand. When I return, I would definitely work through this company again. Ian was awesome with keeping in contact with me and helping me through this booking. WSE is an amazing company and I only see the best happening for them. Thank you so much!
Katherine Yatko (verified owner) –
We loved the Lanna Ink Experience and it met every expectation we had. Everything promised was delivered to include a very personalized experience with the monk. The guide was super nice and super helpful. We accidentally booked the wrong city for our experience and would have had to cancel last minute, Ian was so nice in letting us rebook last minute for $100 as opposed to losing out on the experience and $400. Overall a great experience and would definitely do again. Thanks Ian!
Matt (verified owner) –
Chiang Mai ~~ Long story short, this experience was above and beyond what I had hoped for when I began researching Sak Yant!! Before ever embarking overseas, Ian was communicative, thorough, and rapid in responding to my emails. He happily explained why WSE is generally more expensive than some of its competitors and I have to say, he was right: it was worth every penny and more. We were picked up at our Airbnb by a driver and our guide/translator, Lowey. On the approximately thirty minute drive, Lowey answered all our questions and told us stories as we quickly got to know each other; Lowey happens to have a fantastic sense of humor.
Once at Ajarn Rung’s residence, we made sure to follow all of Lowey’s advice and instructions before sitting down for our consultations. Lowey translated as we discussed our personal information with Ajarn Rung. He created original Yants particular to our needs and desires. Ajarn Rung is not only very experienced, but practices hygienically. He as well has a great sense of humor and depths of wisdom. I could not be happier with my tattoo. Side note: be as open and honest as you can with your Ajarn as it will truly influence what he prescribes/designs. Remember, these are magical tattoos that will protect you and provide for you, not decorative pieces for show (despite how badass they look).
After our beautiful time with Ajarn Rung, we went to an amulet market and lunch (included in price). This truly immersive experience gave so much extra meaning and depth to my first Sak Yant.
Icing on the cake: while at lunch, we discussed our desire to go to the Sticky Waterfalls (Bua Tong or Bua Thong). Our driver had the afternoon free so we negotiated a rate for him to drive us there and back and he even made a couple amazing temple pit-stops on the way back. All in all, this was probably the best day of a two-week adventure.
TLDR: Ian is honest, passionate, and a solid communicator. Price is more than some competitors but SO incredibly worth it (see above). WSE is the best!!
Tiffany Bass (verified owner) –
If you want a sak yant, this is where you’ll have the best experience. Ian, the owner of the company, is extremely professional and is great thru email. The day before he will confirm your appointment via email so you have no worries. I booked other activities in Thailand with other companies and his company stands out as the most professional and organized.
My guide walked me thru the whole process. He helped me communicate with the monk so my sak yant would be exactly what I needed. I felt like the monk and guide wanted me to have the right sak yant as much as I did.
It also didn’t hurt. It was nothing compared to the other tattoos I have. And he was so fast! It took maybe 10-15 mins of actual tattooing. I thought they were joking when he said he was done. But I turned around to see a very detailed design. I love my sak yant!
After the sak yant, we went to a amulet market. I had such a great time there too. It was a very spiritual sacred experience. I feel very protected with my sak yant and amulets. This is a life changing experience. Don’t pass it up.
Pax (verified owner) –
One of the highlights of my time in Chiang Mai was getting a sak yant tattoo through the Lanna ink experience! My travel guru picked me up and we journeyed to the amulet market where he explained some of the meanings and what the amulets represented to the Thai people. It was informative and nice to have a local who knew what was up. I even got to pick out some amulets for myself from one of the booths. Then we had lunch and made our way to meet with Ajarn Rung a bit outside of Chiang Mai. Ajarn Rung was funny and wise. We talked for a good 30 mins while he asked me questions and dropped the Buddhist knowledge. We had some good laughs and I received some great reminders about life and the spiritual path. From our talk he was able to create a unique and one of a kind sak yant design just for me. He let me choose where it was placed on my back. Center, left, or right side. I choose center to represent the middle way as the Buddha taught. The tattoo it self only took about 15 mins. It was a bit painful, cringe worthy at times. My sak yant is called Phra Bhuto. It was my first tattoo ever and I am very happy I choose to get it through the Lanna ink experience and that it has so much personal meaning for me. A great way to start my 6 month journey around SE Asia. Also, I’d like to mention Ian Ord (founder of WSE) was very helpful through the whole process of setting this up and he really went above and beyond. Thanks for everything!
Nick (verified owner) –
I was more than pleased with the entire experience, end to end. My sak yant is beautifully crafted. Truly one of a kind. If you’re worried about getting a low quality design, fear not. Mine is amazing and was very carefully and thoughtfully placed. The attention to detail is awesome. It was a great time, and the amulet market afterwards was pretty neat. My guide and driver were very accommodating and very nice.
I would do it all again without hesitation.
Bruno –
Guys, this Sak Yant tatoo experience was the best of my trip, thank you so much about all this wonderful experience.
JP Ardelle (verified owner) –
C’était vraiment pas mal, et enrichissant !
D’abord, je choisis de faire cette review en français pour aider un peu les francophones qui ne parleraient pas anglais : vous pouvez y aller, mais pas les yeux fermés ! En effet, avoir un Sak Yant n’est pas une mince affaire et il faut bien y réfléchir. c’est une expérience sacrée et que j’ai trouvée assez puissante. Il n’est en effet pas nécessaire de débourser autant d’argent pour en avoir un, mais, et le mais est de taille, il n’aura sûrement aucune valeur. Un vrai Sak Yant est fait par un moine, sinon ce n’est qu’un vulgaire tatouage au bambou. Ensuite, passer par ce site permet d’avoir avec soi un traducteur (enfin bien plus qu’un traducteur en fait, un ami!) lors du tatouage. Avoir quelqu’un près de soi pour traduire au moine ses attentes (pas vis-à-vis du motif, c’est le moine qui choisit), ses raisons est essentiel. Sans la communication avec le moine, encore une fois, le tatouage ne vaudra rien. L’expérience est puissante (et douloureuse) et je le referai sans hésiter. Le moine sait ce qu’il fait et je dois dire qu’il respire l’intelligence, la bonté et la confiance.
Pourquoi seulement 4 étoiles alors ? Si j’ai voulu un Sak Yant, l’obstacle majeur à ma décision était évidemment l’hygiène. Si vous cherchez, vous verrez que certains moines, la plupart même utilisent la même aiguille pour les 50 personnes qu’ils voient dans la journée, et en bon européen que je suis, je suis trop bien informé des risques de contraction du Sida au pire des cas, ou d’une hépatite dans le “meilleur”.
On m’a assuré que ce moine-ci utilisait une encre qu’il faisait lui-même (donc aucune idée de ce qu’elle contient, je sais que certains moines ajoutent de la peau de maîtres ou du venin de serpent, âmes sensibles s’abstenir) et qu’il changerait l’aiguille à chaque personne. J’ai eu la chance d’être passé en premier ce jour là, donc je ne m’inquiète pas trop, mais les standards d’hygiène ne sont toujours pas acquis. J’ai été tatoué à l’extérieur parmi les gens, mais c’est aussi peut être ce qui fait le charme et la puissance de l’expérience. Concernant l’hygiène, je ne pense pas que le risque de contraction d’une maladie soit élevé. mais je ne pense pas non plus qu’il soit de zéro. et j’ajoute que ça reste plus propre qu’ailleurs au vu de mes recherches.
Bref, c’est une expérience extraordinaire qui me marquera et qui m’a marqué à jamais. C’est à vous, en votre âme et conscience de décider si oui ou non vous voulez prendre un petit risque.
Une dernière chose, obtenir un Sak Yant va avec des règles qui sont propres à ces tatouages. Certaines sont communes (5) et d’autres sont spécifiques à chaque Yant; Vous devrez les respecter. On nous fait cadeau d’une partie importante de la culture Thaï et même asiatique; c’est notre devoir que d’en être dignes.
merci encore à Lewis, (Thanks Lewis ! thank you so much we had a wonderful time).
Ørjan Thune (verified owner) –
Everything just as planned and both my girls are very happy with their Sak Yant’s. :-) Thanks for arranging this in a very easy convenient way!
Ty (verified owner) –
Had an awesome experience today getting an authentic Sak Yant done through Where Sidewalks End. The experience was great from start to finish! The hotel pick-up was right on time and the English speaking guide was beyond friendly and very knowledgeable on the process. He showed me the do’s and don’ts for when I arrived to meet the monk and walked me through the whole process. The monk was very friendly and welcoming. The guide translated our conversation as the monk decided which Yant would suit me the best. The monk’s intuition about certain aspects of my life and what I would like were bang on. I had heard these types of tattoos could be very painful and not having any previous tattoos I wasn’t sure what to expect. The pain was negligible and far less than I had expected based on discussions with those who had had them done already. We ended the day by going to the amulet market where the guide continued to explain other types of protections that are used by Buddhists.
Overall – its been one of the greatest experiences of my travels to date. Thanks Ian and everyone who was involved in this fulfilling life experience. I highly recommend anyone interested in getting an authentic Sak Yant done to let Where Sidewalks End take care of you. Top Notch Service!!
Blythe Cronyn (verified owner) –
I had my Sak Yant experience in Chiang Mai yesterday organized through WSE and cannot begin to express how pleased I am with the entire process. Ian corresponded with me leading up to the tour and was extremely courteous, answering all my questions in detail. He also allowed my sister to come along free of charge. Our guide (Lowey) and driver were excellent, picking us up on time at our guest house and stopping so we could grab some food on the way. Ajarn Rung was lovely and took the time to discuss with myself (translated by Lowey) the design he felt was best for me and why. We also discussed placement and size before he began. The whole tattoo only took about 20 minutes and in my opinion wasn’t as painful as a tattoo gun. It is still healing but I am very pleased with how crisp and detailed Ajarn Rung’s work is. Afterwards Lowey took us to an amulet market and helped me choose one that would be suitable to hang on the wall of my business. Lunch was delicious and they also went out of their way to take us to a jewellery factory when I expressed interest. All in all this was a perfect day and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to get a Sak Yant in Chiang Mai.
Tinna and Una (verified owner) –
Dear Alex
Thank you so much for the most amazing day. We could not have been happier with the service and the authentic experiance you gave us. We were picked up in the morning. Chatted with Alex on our way to the ajarn’s place.
Una talked to the ajarn first and let him choose her sak yants. She got 2 on her back. Then it was my turn and i let him choose for me. It was very cool that he makes his own ink.
For anyone who seeks an authentic experiance getting a Sak Yant we recomend WSE travel. The next time we come we are gonna get more Sak Yant’s with WSE travel.
Best regards Tinna and Una.
V Da Silva –
This was one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences ever. Any anxiety or doubts I had melted away as Dao, my guide and new friend, helped me through the whole thing.
She picked me up at my hotel and we chatted all the way to the ajarn’s, where she showed me how to show thanks and pay respect to the Buddha. We lit incense and said our prayers in silence, then sat and flicked through the different designs while waiting for my turn. A couple of locals were getting their sak yan so we chatted away with them too!
When my turn came, Dao helped me communicate with the ajarn – we talked for a good long while I think, but I was so engrossed in the experience I didn’t see the time go! He asked me about my worries and gave me several chunks of wisdom I will carry with me forever. The design and blessings he picked for my tattoo instantly resonated with me and I knew and felt it was just perfect!
Given how personal and rich this experience is, I highly recommend going with someone like WSE as they’ll have local knowledge and understanding, in addition to the kindness and professionalism required to guide someone through their sak yan – it makes the greatest difference!