As with any tattoo, you are at risk of allergic reactions, skin infections and blood borne diseases, but possibly more so if they are not taking proper sterilization precautions. While it is an unforgettable experience, you need to be aware of the risks involved. Unfortunately, getting a bamboo tattoo is not guaranteed to be the most hygienic or safe method of tattooing. Once you add up all of the transportation costs to and from Bangkok, it should come to approximately 230 baht.Īt 310 baht (or $10) for a truly meaningful tattoo, a long distance adventure out of the city and the experience of a lifetime, it’s more than a bargain. The Sak Yant itself is essentially free, however you will need 80 baht to purchase a flower, some incense, candles and a pack of cigarettes to make as a temple offering, along with any donation you may wish, all to be placed in a bowl in the room. I read directions from Where Sidewalks End before trying it out myself. I took a public bus to my hotel, which was much cheaper than a taxi. This bus will take you to Bangkok where you can either take a taxi or public transport depending on where you need to go. This will take you to another seemingly middle of nowhere stop where you will cross the road to the minibus station ( kind of hidden around the corner to the left) for one last bus at 45 baht. From Wat Bang Phra, hop on the #10 bus at a price of 20 baht. Getting back to Bangkok is a little different. I didn’t bother negotiating down from 100 baht, but it’s definitely possible for a cheaper price. Let your driver know that you want to go to Wat Bang Phra, negotiate a price that works for you and enjoy the 20 minute drive through rice fields and villages. Cross the foot bridge above the highway and head toward the gathering of motorbikes on the corner ( you will see them from the bridge). If you are arriving by taxi, ask to be dropped off at Century the Movie Plaza and take a short walk North from there.Īpproach the fourth ticket counter window from the right and ask for the bus toward Nakhon Pathom to the Nakhon Chai Si stop, it should cost 70 baht per person.Īfter an hour long drive out of Bangkok, you will be dropped at what initially feels like the middle of nowhere. If you’re arriving by BTS, take exit 4 and make a U-turn at the bottom of the stairs and a short walk to find the correct station ( there are many). You will need to head to Victory Monument as early in the morning as possible-think 5:00-6:00am-to avoid traffic and make your way to the minibus station. Getting from Bangkok to Wat Bang Phra is the most difficult part of the experience. I ended up with a Hah Taew design, which displays five rows of magical spells for protection, good luck, love, fortune and success. You have no choice in the design or placement of the tattoo that is decided upon by the Monk as you sit down in front of him. Sak Yant designs are tattooed by Buddhist monks, traditionally with a long bamboo stick sharpened to a point or sometimes with a long metal spike. I happened to receive mine at Wat Bang Phra in the Nakhon Chai Si district outside of Bangkok, Thailand. Yantra tattooing, or sak yant is a form of tattooing practiced in Southeast Asian countries including Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. But, this tattoo holds a great deal more meaning than all of the rest, as it is believed to be magic and bestow protection and good luck. That innocent tap probably hurt more than any other tattoo I’ve ever received, and I’ve gotten more than a few. That’s when I felt the first tap and the bamboo point entering my skin. The two men at his side rested their hands on my skin and pulled it tight in either direction. The Monk pushed me further down with a larger marker and placed a paper towel on my back. The two men to his side guided me into a parallel sitting position in front of him, motioning for me to lean over a pillow they placed on my lap. I sat down in front of the Monk, unsure of what to do next, even after watching the others before me. Over an hour had passed when we finally neared the front of the line, and suddenly I was called forward. It was silent with the exception of a faint tapping from the front and occasional murmur in the crowd. Sitting cross-legged on the floor in the back corner of a dimly lit temple, surrounded by dozens of Thais, we slowly shuffled forward in unison toward the far end of the room.
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