The Sak Yant: Thailand's sacred tattoo for good luck

✅ Article updated on September 4, 2024so you'll always have the latest news!

Thailand is world-renowned for its tattoos, particularly the Sak Yant.

People from all over the world, like Angelina Jolie and Cara Delevingnetravel to Thailand for these sacred tattoos, often created by renowned tattoo masters or Buddhist monks in famous temples such as the Wat Bang Phra near Bangkok.

These tattoos are prized not only for their aesthetic appeal, but also for their spiritual and protective dimension.

Let's take a moment to discover the magic that surrounds them.

What is Sak Yant?

Sak Yant, also known as Yantra tattooing or Thai bamboo tattooing, is a traditional form of permanent tattooing originating in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

Meaning of "Sak" and "Yant

"Sak" means "to tattoo", while "Yant" refers to the "yantra", a sacred diagram.

Together, Sak Yant means "to tattoo a yantra".

Composition of a Sak Yant tattoo

A Sak Yant consists of two main elements: the "yantra", a motif that can be geometric, represent a lotus flower, an animal, a deity or other symbols; and the "khata", a mantra inscribed in Thai or Khmer.

These tattoos embody a powerful blend of protection, luck and strength.

Their meaning is often personal, symbolizing the wearer's beliefs, goals or source of strength.

Traditional tattooing method

Sak Yant tattooing in Thailand is applied using a traditional method called "handpoke" by a qualified Ajarn or master tattooist.

The term "Ajarn", which means "teacher" in Thailand and Laos, refers to the person who performs the tattoo.

The process is a sacred ritual, often accompanied by prayers and blessings to activate the the spiritual power of tattooing.

Moral code

Each Sak Yant tattoo is associated with a moral code, usually based on Buddhist teachings, which your Ajarn will communicate to you.

For example, having a Yant Gao Yord might require not lying, not getting drunk and always respecting your parents.

If this code is not followed, the tattoo is said to be loses its mystical power.

Techniques and materials

Traditionally, needles were made from bamboo and ink from natural ingredients such as charcoal, oils and herbs.

Nowadays hygiene reasonsMost Ajarns use surgical steel needles.

The different types of Sak Yant: which one to choose?

Sak Yant tattoos are considered powerful "spiritual armor", offering protection against physical dangers and negative energies.

Each Sak Yant model contains specific blessings and protective energies.

There are hundreds of designs incorporating thousands of yantras and geometric shapes.

Here's an overview of the most popular models, among locals and travelers alike.

Hah Taew (5 lines)

The Hah Taew brings health and prosperity to its wearer.

It's probably the most famous Sak Yant among Westerners, especially since Angelina Jolie had it tattooed on her left shoulder in 2016.

The Hah Taew, or 5-line tattoo, dates back over 700 years to the ancient kingdom of Lanna, which became northern Thailand.

A Buddhist monk living in a Chiang Mai temple created this Sak Yant when the city was founded in 1296.

Over time, the five original lines evolved, and many masters added their own versions.

Each line corresponds to a beneficial spell for the person receiving the tattoo:

• 1st line: protects you from unjust punishment, helps to tilt ambiguous situations in your favor, and purifies undesirable spirits around you.
  
  
• 2nd line: protects against bad karma and astrological influences.
  
  
• 3rd line: protects against curses and black magic.
  
  
• 4th line: attracts luck, fortune and success.
  
  
• 5th line: increases your charm while reinforcing the effects of the 3rd and 4th lines.

Gao Yord (9 summits)

The Gao Yord will protect you from magical and physical attacks.

This tattoo, very popular in Thailand, represents the 9 peaks of Mount Meru, a mythical mountain inhabited by several gods.

It is often considered one of the first Sak Yant by the Thai.

In Hindu cosmology, it symbolizes the 9 planets governed by divinities, and in Thailand, the number 9 is sacredassociated with royalty and spirituality.

At the center of the design is the magic box (some designs may not show the contours) containing abbreviations of protection spells:

• Maeta Ma Hah Niyom: people will treat you with kindness, which will increase your popularity and enable you to receive preferential treatment.
  
  
• Klaeoklad: protects you from serious injury.
  
  
• Chana Satru: helps you defeat your enemies.
  
  
• Ma Hah Amnat: gives you authority, power and control over others.
  
  
• Awk Seuk: gives you the determination to fight for what is right.
  
  
• Kong Kra Phan: offers protection and invincibility.
  
  
• Oopatae: ensures success in your work and projects.
  
  
• Ma Hah Saneh: makes you more charming, increases your popularity and attractiveness to the opposite sex.
  
  
• Ma Hah Lap: brings luck and prosperity.
  
  
• Noon Chataa: improve your destiny and your fate.
  
  
• Pong Gan Antarai: protects against accidents, natural disasters and acts of violence.
  
  
• Nah Tee Gan Ngan Dee: improve your working conditions.

Paed Tidt (8 directions)

The Paed Tidt will protect you from evil spirits and threats (particularly useful for frequent travellers).

This geometric Yant, nicknamed the "traveler's compass", consists of a circle with inscriptions in Khom blessed by a Buddhist monk, and 8 ovals representing Lord Buddha, each with an arrow pointing to the 8 directions of the universe.

It offers constant protection to its wearer, no matter which direction he or she is facing (north, northeast, etc.), and also helps ward off evil spirits.

Here are the 8 spiritual meanings of Yant Paed Tid:

• Protection against hazards from all directions.
  
  
• Strength and courage to meet the challenges ahead.
  
  
• Balance and stability in spiritual and material life.
  
  
• Guidance and clarity to make the right decisions.
  
  
• Luck and prosperity in business and projects.
  
  
• Enhancing charisma and influence on others.
  
  
• Harmony and inner peaceavoiding conflict.
  
  
• Evasion of negative energies and misfortunes.

Suea Koo (Twin Tigers)

Suea Koo will bring you strength, courage and protection.

This tattoo, representing two tigers, symbolizes power, protection, conviction and authority.

It is particularly prized by those in high-risk professions, such as soldiers, policemen and Muay Thai fighters, as well as by businessmen and politicians, as it offers them success in their field.

Hanuman (a monkey god)

The Hanuman will bring you protection, strength and courage.

Sak Yant Hanuman represents the Hindu monkey god, symbol of power, bravery, devotion and resilience.

This tattoo is supposed to transmit these qualities to its wearer.

Where to get a Sak Yant tattoo in Thailand?

Many temples in Thailand offer Sak Yant tattoos.

You have the choice of going to the temple yourself or using an agency to organize everything for you.

I recommend that you go through an agency, such as my partner's below, to avoid long waits and get all the information you need.

This will also facilitate the exchange with the monk and guarantee the tattooing to go smoothly.

However, if you prefer to manage everything yourself, here are two addresses in Bangkok:

• Ajarn Noo Kanpai Known for tattooing celebrities such asAngelina Jolie and Cara DelevingneAjarn Noo is renowned for her expertise in traditional Sak Yant tattoos.
  
  Rates are high, starting at around €100 to €500 for a small Sak Yant tattoo. A deposit of 3000฿ (≈79.29€) is required before any visit, and it's possible to visit by appointment only.
  
  
• Arjan Neng Sak Yant Tattoo This master tattooer is also well known for his skills in the art of Sak Yant.
  
  He is renowned for the precision of his designs and respect for ritual practices. Prices for a Sak Yant from Ajarn Neng generally range from €100 to €300, depending on the size and complexity of the design.

Before getting a tattoo in Thailand, take the time to think it over carefully, because it's a permanent decision.

Choose one renowned tattoo artist and make sure it complies with strict hygiene standards.

Find out more about meaning of your tattoo, avoid alcohol before and after, use a healing cream for better healing, and protect your tattoo from sun and water.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about Sak Yant Thai tattoos

What is the meaning of Sak Yant?

The Sak Yant is a traditional, spiritual tattoo designed to offer protection, luck, strength and other spiritual benefits to its wearer. It is also considered to have the power to transform personality, life situations and help achieve goals by enhancing charisma, fortune and authority.

What religion is Sak Yant?

Sak Yant is deeply rooted in Thai Buddhism, as well as in certain local animist beliefs. Monks must undergo rigorous training to master this tattooing practice.

Who can tattoo a Sak Yant?

Sak Yant can only be made by monks or master tattoo artists called Ajarn.

Can a woman get a Sak Yant?

Yes, a woman can get a Sak Yant tattoo. However, this depends on each Ajarn's choice. Buddhist monks can't touch women, but they can use a piece of cloth to avoid direct physical contact.
If you use the services of my partner then you'll have nothing to worry about.

Which Sak Yant to choose?

The choice of a Sak Yant depends on what you're looking for in terms of protection, blessing or energy. Each Sak Yant has a specific meaning, for example, Yant Hah Taew for luck and protection, or Yant Suea Koo for courage and strength.

Are Sak Yant tattoos painful?

Pain is relative and depends on your personal tolerance. According to feedback, Sak Yant tattoos are generally no more painful than conventional tattoos. What's more, a major advantage of Sak Yant tattoos is that they heal quickly, often within a few days, as they consist of individual pricks rather than continuous scratching as with a tattoo machine.

Does the monk choose the design and location of Sak Yant?

It's often said that Ajarn chooses the Sak Yant for you based on your "aura", but in reality, he talks with you to understand your situation and your intentions. From this discussion, he selects a pattern and symbols that correspond to your needs and objectives.

Is it possible to get a Sak Yant tattoo in France?

Yes, it is possible to get a Sak Yant tattoo in France. However, it is important to ensure the authenticity of the tattoo to respect the associated spiritual and cultural meanings.