Yantra Tattoos at The Siam, Louboutin x Upper House Staycation and Flat-Swapping with PandaBed

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The gorgeous Siam Hotel in Bangkok recently introduced a surprising new service to its Opium Spa: Sak Yant tattooing. Getting a “magical” tattoo might not exactly be your idea of a vacation, but the sacred one- or three-day tattoo retreat is gathering a following from celebs like Cara Delevingne and Michelle Rodriguez. Here’s what The Siam’s own master tattoo artist Arjan Boo has to say about the experience.

HK Magazine: What exactly isSak Yant tattooing?
Arjan Boo: It is a traditional form of tattooing that uses magical ancient geometric and deity symbols called “Yants” that essentially imprint Buddhist prayers onto the body. These Yants impart magical powers for luck, protection, charisma, fortune and others onto the wearer. Each design has very specific powers and gives the wearer a responsibility to follow certain rules—the more lines of Yant, the more rules there are to follow. 

 

HK: When did you learn to do Sak Yant tattoos?
AB: As a young monk I had to assist my master with chores and was sometimes called to help prepare tattoos. The first time I drew a Yant, we were copying stencils by hand since there was no photocopy machine. I kept drawing for one and a half years and then was chosen by the monks to make Yants—later becoming known for my especially detailed work.

HK: Why do you think Yantra tattoos are more popular?
AB: Yantra tattooing has always been popular but was kept quiet and underground. As people and society have become more accepting of tattoos as an art form, people have started to be proud of showing their Yants and are comfortable with the power

Tattoos from THB30,000 ($6,666), includes all supplies and traditional ritual with Arjan Boo. The Siam, Khao, Wachira Phayaban, Bangkok, Thailand, (+66) 2-206-6999, www.thesiamhotel.com.