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 Yod, 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 Yod, and there are no ATMs nearby. Details for upgrades below.
Thinking of getting multiple Sak Yant in Phuket on the same day? Traveling as a couple or with a friend and want to share the experience? Since you do not need to hire a guide twice, a discount will automatically be applied as you increase the number of Sak Yant.
*No bulk discounts are available for single yant purchases or multi-day bookings.
Getting a Sak Yant in Phuket with Ajarn Yod
Who is Ajarn Yod?
Ajarn Yod has dedicated himself to the practice of Sak Yant in Phuket for 15 years, following a path that is deeply connected to family tradition.
He learned the process of Sak Yant from his father, who in turn was taught by revered Geji ajarns from temples in Phuket and Pattani. That lineage gives his work a strong sense of continuity and connection to older southern Thai traditions.
Ajarn Yod is known for approaching Sak Yant with seriousness, flexibility, and care, while still keeping his life closely tied to his home community rather than building an international reputation around the work.
He is committed to very high standards of hygiene and safety in his Sak Yant practice. Ajarn Yod uses ready-made needles that are disposed of after a single use, helping ensure a clean and safe experience for every guest.
The ink he uses reflects a blend of tradition and modern practicality. Ajarn Yod works with ready-made tattoo ink that is enriched with an antique powdered ink stick containing herbs and animal bile. This mixture reflects his commitment to preserving the authenticity of Sak Yant while still adapting to contemporary hygiene standards.
Unlike many of his peers, Ajarn Yod prefers to stay close to home and keep his practice within Thailand. He values the connection to his local community and the chance to serve the people who seek him out where he lives and works.
When he is not practicing Sak Yant, Ajarn Yod devotes himself to his family. He is a dedicated father to his two sons and a caring husband, and that family-centered life provides balance and grounding in his day-to-day world.
Within his Sak Yant practice, Ajarn Yod is known for being flexible in design. He can alter the format and characters of his tattoos to better suit the individual needs and beliefs of his guests, while also offering guidance on which yants may be especially beneficial for them.
Ajarn Yod’s dedication to Sak Yant reflects a life lived with purpose, spirituality, and a strong commitment to the traditions of his homeland. In the event he becomes unavailable on the date you reserve due to last-minute ceremonies or obligations he must attend, we will coordinate with you to either reschedule your appointment with him or move your reservation to another trusted ajarn so your Phuket Sak Yant experience remains well supported.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Pick-up Point | Your hotel or Airbnb in Phuket – your hotel info can be emailed to us after your online reservation – must be on the island of Phuket – for hotels outside of the pickup zone, a central meeting point can be arranged |
| Drop-off Point | Your Phuket 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 most sacred ancestral practices, while also creating a respectful space for guests who are seeking perspective, meaning, or grounding during important chapters of their lives. Many people come to Sak Yant while moving through trauma, hardship, personal obstacles, or major transitions. We understand those troubled waters more than most, because WSE was born in similar ones, and we have become very experienced at helping guests feel supported as they step into something deeply personal.
For us, that means protecting the integrity of the process. Sak Yant should not be reduced to a tattoo shop appointment or a co-op setting that strips away the values, atmosphere, and traditions that make it special. 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 knowledge, his wisdom, and the traditional setting in which this practice is meant to be given. That is how it has long been received by Thai people, and that is the spirit we believe should be preserved.
That respect also extends to the value of the ajarn’s work. We do not try to pressure ajarns into charging less simply because someone is a foreign guest, or push unnecessary volume through them. We honor the rates they set for their time, skill, experience, and self-worth. We also take great care in choosing who we work with. After vetting many 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 Yod is one of the Phuket ajarns who meet those standards.
What comes from all of that is an experience that is carefully facilitated, fully 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 think getting a Sak Yant means turning up at a famous temple or co-op, waiting through crowds, and accepting a rushed process with little explanation. We built this experience around something much more personal and much more careful than that.
We do not take people into busy environments where consultations are limited, quality can feel rushed, translation is minimal, or hygiene standards may not match what guests expect. Instead, you visit a carefully vetted ajarn in a more intimate setting, with a licensed guide who helps you communicate clearly from start to finish.
The consultation is the heart of the day. Rather than choosing a tattoo only by appearance, you have the chance to talk through your goals, fears, values, and current challenges so Ajarn Yod can suggest something more personal and more appropriate for you. He is also especially flexible in adjusting design format and characters when a guest’s needs call for that approach.
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 on Phuket. From there, you travel together toward the quieter area where Ajarn Yod’s samnak is located.
During the journey, your guide helps introduce the process, explains more about how Sak Yant fits into Thai life today, and begins answering the questions many guests already have before they even arrive.
Once you reach the samnak, the setting itself begins to shape the day. This is not a tourist tattoo shop. It is a working traditional space, often with locals there as well, and the atmosphere helps you understand how seriously Ajarn Yod takes his work and the old customs around it. The smells, the sounds, the ritual objects, and the incense all help shape the experience into something much more memorable than a simple appointment.
With your guide translating throughout, you will sit down with Ajarn Yod for your consultation. This is where you talk about the parts of your life that matter most to you, including goals, fears, values, and challenges, so he can recommend a yant that fits you more personally. If you already have a design in mind, you may absolutely discuss it 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 the tattoo itself may take anywhere from a short session to much longer, depending on the size, complexity, 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 you still have about what you just went through.
When the meal is finished, we arrange transport back to your hotel so you can rest, process the day, and settle into your onward journey with your new Sak Yant.
How choosing a Sak Yant really works
We generally discourage guests from choosing a yantra before visiting an ajarn. The reason is simple: the definitions you find online are often vague, inaccurate, or based on someone else’s reasons for getting that design.
During your consultation, you can tell Ajarn Yod about what is important 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 is more personal to you rather than just visually familiar.
You absolutely have the right to request a design for yourself, and Ajarn Yod is particularly skilled at tailoring the format and characters of his tattoos to the individual. Traditionally, though, Thai people trust that the ajarn is choosing something that suits them based on what they share with him. The deeper and more honest the conversation, the more personal the outcome tends to feel.
The characters around a yant are not ordinary sentences. They are combinations of old and new scripts written in code, with each character representing a kata. Only trained ajarns can read them properly, 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.
Important: All Sak Yant must be above the waist, with no exceptions. This is due to sexual associations with Sak Yant below the waist, which the ajarns are not comfortable giving.
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. | 2000 THB extra | 3000-5000 THB extra | 500 THB extra | 3000-5000 THB extra | 6000-10,000 THB extra | 10,000-13,000 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 Yod’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 Phuket.
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 Phuket?
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 on the island of Phuket or a central meeting point can be arranged. - Local transit to reach the ajarn
We choose the fastest transit based on the location of your hotel. - Specially trained and licensed guide
Your guide facilitates the experience and translates throughout the day. - Fully translated consultation with Ajarn Yod
You can discuss what yant would best suit you based on your values, passions, fears, goals, and challenges you face. - 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 and more detailed requests require advanced notice due to the extra time needed and more to be paid locally, depending on size and detail level. - Food
A simple lunch and snacks are included to help keep your energy levels up.
What is not included in your Ink Experience in Phuket?
A few things remain separate from your booking so you can stay flexible around the rest of your Phuket plans.
- Travel insurance (Compulsory)
We recommend SafetyWing Insurance - International flights or transportation to and from the itinerary’s start point
- Accommodation in Phuket
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 Phuket 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, snorkeling, or island hopping, and when possible, keeping the rest of your day flexible so you are not rushing to 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 Yod?
Yes. Ajarn Yod is comfortable giving Sak Yant to women, and he approaches the process with the same care and seriousness for every guest.
Are Ajarn Yod’s needles new and clean?
Yes. Ajarn Yod uses ready-made needles that are disposed of after a single use, helping ensure a clean and safe experience for each person he works with.
What makes Ajarn Yod’s ink different?
Ajarn Yod uses ready-made tattoo ink enriched with an antique powdered ink stick containing herbs and animal bile. This reflects his effort to preserve authenticity while still maintaining strong hygiene standards.
Can I customize the format or characters of my Sak Yant?
Yes. Ajarn Yod is known for being flexible with design format and characters, and he can tailor them to better suit your personal needs and beliefs while also offering guidance on what may be most beneficial for you.
Does Ajarn Yod travel internationally?
No. Unlike many others, Ajarn Yod prefers to keep his practice within Thailand, staying close to his home community and serving those who seek him out there.
Can I get an invisible or oil-based Sak Yant in Phuket?
Yes, getting an invisible Sak Yant tattoo is also possible, including oil-based versions.
Does the guide speak English?
Yes. English is the language we guarantee for your guide, along with Thai when speaking with the ajarn. We cannot guarantee knowledge of other languages.
How long should I plan for the experience?
The average experience is about 3 to 5 hours, but exact timing depends on transport distance, consultation length, 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.
Can I get a Sak Yant below the waist?
No. All Sak Yant must be above the waist, with no exceptions, due to sexual associations with Sak Yant below the waist, which the ajarns are not comfortable giving.
Our other Thailand Experiences
Need a place to stay in Phuket?
We’ve placed a pin on the map below in Kata Beach, one of the most scenic and laid-back beaches on the island. This area offers easy access to the southern part of Phuket, including nearby Patong, Old Town, the piers for island-hopping, and the ajarns we work with for Sak Yant. Whether you’re coming to relax or explore, this makes an ideal base. Use the map below to enter your dates and group size to see real-time listings across hotels and vacation rentals.
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. 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.
Bryan Choe (verified owner) –
My friends and I had an amazing experience with Sue and Ajarn Yod! Sue reached out the day before to let me know we’d be meeting Ajarn Yod and shared great recommendations about Phuket and Rawai on the way. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the trip enjoyable.
When we arrived, Ajarn Yod and everyone welcomed us warmly. They took the time to understand what I was looking for in a Sak Yant and helped me choose the right one without ever making me feel rushed. Everyone was respectful, kind, and professional.
I highly recommend them to anyone looking for an authentic Sak Yant experience. 5/5 stars—10/10 experience!
Also, don’t worry about taking photos because Sue and another person took videos and photos for us.
Matt Russell (verified owner) –
This was an unforgettable experience for my wife and me — something that will stay with us forever.
Ajarn Yod was incredible; clearly highly skilled and deeply knowledgeable in his craft. The ceremony itself was humbling and meaningful, and the tattooing was surprisingly almost painless. It truly felt like receiving a powerful talisman rather than just a tattoo.
Since having our Sak Yant, we’ve found ourselves wanting to learn more about the spiritual side behind it, which says a lot about how impactful the experience was.
A special mention has to go to our wonderful guide, Iaya. She was fantastic from start to finish — keeping in constant communication before our appointment and explaining everything so clearly throughout the day. During the Sak Yant, she answered all our questions and shared so much insight, which has really sparked our curiosity now that we’re back home.
Daniel & Veronica Pena (verified owner) –
We had an amazing experience with WSE Travel Inc. and couldn’t recommend them more. As a couple, getting our Sak Yant tattoos was something very meaningful to us, and the entire process was handled with such care, professionalism, and respect.
Our guide was exceptional with his thorough explanations helped us truly understand the history, symbolism, and spiritual significance behind the tattoos. He made the experience feel incredibly personal, not rushed, and genuinely enjoyable. We always felt comfortable, supported, and well-informed every step of the way.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and WSE made it unforgettable. If you’re looking for a well-organized, authentic, and memorable cultural experience, WSE Travel Inc. is the way to go!
Lizzie –
There was a timetabling clash, but Ian contacted me immediately to resolve it. He offered multiple options and was accommodating throughout, ensuring my overall experience wasn’t affected. As many others have noted, he was consistently responsive and supportive before handing me over to my guide, Noi.
Noi is an absolute star—knowledgeable about all things Phuket (she’s a guide in the area when she’s not looking after adventurous tourists) and unfailingly kind and supportive. She always translated in real time, making me feel like an active part of the conversation. She took photos, checked in with me regularly during the experience, and even followed up afterwards.
As for Ajarn Yod, this was my second Sak Yan with him—and for good reason. He and his partner are incredibly supportive and skilled, particularly when it comes to tattooing darker skin tones. Many tattoo artists struggle with this, but not Ajarn Yod; the reds are vibrant, and the black ink still looks as good today as when I had it done last year.
If you have a darker complexion and are considering a Sak Yan, I can’t recommend Ajarn Yod and WSE highly enough.
Derek Mendoza –
My Ink Experience with Ajarn Yod and my guide Nuch was excellent! Also, the WSE Staff were outstanding in handling my less than 48 hour request. I am so thankful for that because of my busy travel schedule. Nuch was very knowledgeable about Sak Yant traditions and handled communication with Ajarn Yod wonderfully, to determine what yantra was appropriate for me according to my personal life goals. I feel blessed, not only by the guru, but by WSE’s hard work to ensure the authenticity and integrity of my experience.
Kevin Brocksieck –
Talk about a one in a lifetime experience!!! Everything was beautiful, authentic and clean.
Brian Mullins (verified owner) –
Very positive experience. The guide explained everything very clearly and told me what to expect. Everything was arranged through the service from travel to the location, the sak Yant , and travel back. I am already planning my next sak yant through the service. Great job!
Mike Torres (verified owner) –
Experience of a lifetime!
WSE made the process of seeking a traditional Sak Yank not only possible but seamless! My guide Guita, exceptional! She was extremely knowledgeable and attentive throughout the entire process . Thank you Guita !
I was honored to have spent nearly 3hrs with Ajarn Yod whom with precision of a steady hand, left me mesmerized and humbled with a lifetime experience and an extraordinary Sak Yank tattoo! Much love and blessings 🙏
Thank you Ian !
Andrew Karpf (verified owner) –
The process of getting a traditional Sak Yant was made super easy, fun and exciting through WSE. Ian was very responsive to q’s before heading to Thailand and while in Thailand immediately prior to the session. My guide Guita took over from there. She was in constant contact; pickup was on time, and she is very friendly and informative. It took 20 minutes to drive to the Ajarn and she answered my q’s and gave me lots of info. The tattooing was amazing as the steady hand of Ajar Yod produced 2 extraordinary Yants in a process that is much more comfortable than machine tattoos.
If you are considering additional tattoos, or your first, this is experience is exceptional and you will do yourself a big favor by reaching out to WSE! Thanks Ian!
Tom Hubrig (verified owner) –
We were picked up by Guita and she organized the trip perfectly for us and gave us some background information before we started. Along the trip she answered all our questions and guided us through.
The tattoo experience with ajarn yod was a really special experience and I’m glad I did with a guide to understand the meanings behind the rituals.
Overall a great experience and super happy absolut the sak yant I got.
kerri (verified owner) –
Gritta & Ajarn Yod were both such wonderful folks in this whole experience. I was a bit undecided about what to get & they both showed much patience & guidance through the process.
Sonya (verified owner) –
I was picked up by Noi who explained what to expect as well as well as providing insight into the significance of Sak Yant in Thai culture and in his own life.
Ajarn Yod was able to suggest a Yant most suitable for me, following a consultation with Noi’s assistance. The process itself took 30min and felt very different to a tattoo gun.
Over all it was an unforgettable experience and I am stoked with my Sak Yant!