From sacred Sak Yant to world-class realism, Pattaya has tattoo studios for every style and budget. Quality work at a fraction of Western prices.
Second Road, near Walking Street
3,000+ THB/hr
Award-winning custom designs
International award winner
English-speaking artists
Custom designs only
Sterile private rooms
Soi Buakhao
2,000+ THB
Traditional Sak Yant & hand-poke
Authentic Thai method
Spiritual blessings available
Walk-ins welcome
Cultural experience
Central Festival, Ground Floor
2,500+ THB
International chain with consistent quality
Chain brand quality guarantee
Clean mall environment
Air-conditioned
Multiple artists on staff
Beach Road, North Pattaya
2,500+ THB
Custom artwork & large pieces
Specializes in large work
Multi-session planning
Portfolio viewing
Consultation available
Soi Made in Thailand
500+ THB
Small pieces & first tattoos
Budget-friendly
Great for first-timers
Quick sessions
Walk-ins welcome
Sacred geometric and animal designs believed to offer protection, luck, and power. Done with bamboo needle or steel rod.
Bold colors, koi fish, dragons, waves, and cherry blossoms. Often used for sleeves and large pieces.
Photo-realistic portraits, animals, and scenes. Requires highly skilled artist with fine detail work.
Bold black patterns inspired by Polynesian, Maori, and Borneo traditions. Strong geometric lines.
Soft edges, color splashes, and painterly effects without heavy outlines. Modern artistic style.
Delicate single-needle work, small symbols, thin lines. Popular for subtle, discrete tattoos.
| Size | Price Range |
|---|---|
Small (2-4 inches) Small symbols, initials, tiny designs | 1,000 - 3,000 THB |
Medium (4-6 inches) Forearm pieces, detailed designs | 3,000 - 8,000 THB |
Large (6-12 inches) Upper arm, thigh, chest pieces | 8,000 - 20,000+ THB |
Full sleeve Complete arm coverage, custom design | 30,000+ THB |
Full back Japanese or Thai traditional back pieces | 50,000+ THB |
* Prices vary by artist experience, design complexity, and studio reputation. Sak Yant pricing differs.
The most famous Sak Yant temple in Thailand, located in Nakhon Pathom (about 2 hours from Pattaya). Monks perform the tattoos using traditional steel needle (mai sak) method. Offerings are made instead of payment, typically including flowers, incense, and a small donation. Expect long waits. The experience is spiritual, not commercial.
Monk (at temple)
Ajarn (Master)
New needles opened from sealed packaging in front of you
Autoclave sterilization machine on-site and regularly tested
Artist wears disposable gloves throughout the session
Single-use ink cups (no dipping into shared ink bottles)
Clean work surfaces covered with disposable barriers
Licensed and registered studio with health permits
Portfolio of healed work (not just fresh tattoos)
Willing to answer all your hygiene questions openly
Red flags to walk away from
Dirty workspace, no autoclave visible, reusing needles, no gloves, aggressive street touts, prices that seem too good to be true, artist unwilling to show portfolio or answer questions.
1.Keep the wrap on for 2-4 hours after getting tattooed
2.Wash gently with lukewarm water and unscented soap
3.Pat dry with a clean paper towel (never rub)
4.Apply a thin layer of recommended aftercare cream 2-3 times daily
5.Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and ocean water for 2-3 weeks
6.Stay out of direct sunlight on the tattoo for 4 weeks
7.Do not scratch or pick at scabbing or peeling skin
8.Wear loose clothing over the tattooed area
9.Avoid intense exercise that causes heavy sweating for 48 hours
10.Full healing takes 2-4 weeks; deeper layers heal in 2-3 months
Research the artist thoroughly. Check Instagram portfolios and Google reviews before booking.
Never bargain on tattoo prices. Cheap tattoos are not good, and good tattoos are not cheap.
Bring reference images. Show the artist exactly what you want, even if getting a custom piece.
Book a consultation first for large or complex work. A good artist will want to plan it properly.
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your session. It thins the blood and affects healing.
Eat a good meal before your appointment. Low blood sugar can make you feel faint.
Tip your artist if you are happy with the work. 10-20% is appreciated but not mandatory.
Get tattooed early in your trip, not the last day. You need dry healing time before swimming.