In the past, Phuket was one of the most interesting tattoo spots in Southeast Asia, but it has changed in many ways. Neon-lit beachfront studios that will allow just anyone to walk in, to places where the creative work goes on behind the scenes in hidden corners of historic Phuket Old Town, the island has a vastly different tattoo experience from one location to another.
The majority of the tattoo parlors in Patong offer the following types of tattoos:
- Walk-in appointments
- Flash tattoo designs
- Thai-style “bamboo” body art.
Quick vacation tattoos
Professional studios with several artists.
You will also see a heavy competition among shops, artists will also start giving discounts on artwork, package deal or even free consultations outside the shops.
Patong is very convenient for those who wish to get a tattoo while on vacation and enjoy a lot of nightlife. If you have chosen a reliable tattoo studio, it will surely help you get the best tattoo in Phuket.
The Most Popular Styles in Patong
Typical topics that Patong studios will usually work on are:
- Tribal tattoos
- Script and quote tattoos
- Small minimalist designs
- Traditional Thai-inspired artwork
- Tourist-friendly Sak Yant replicas
- Colorful vacation-themed tattoos
A few top-of-the-range studios are also able to provide internationally experienced artists who can create realistic portraits and custom sleeves, but the quality varies from one shop to another. Getting the best bamboo tattoo in Phuket has become the norm if you are going to visit the place.
The Advantages of Patong
The visitors to Patong’s tattoo shop are very attracted to:
- Easy walk-in access
- Late-night operating hours
- Competitive pricing
- Large artist availability
- Immediate appointments
This is the perfect option for those who don’t have a lot of time to spend on the island.
But with the ease comes the responsibility for tourists to be careful while selecting a studio.
Tips that are Important When Getting Tattooed on The Shoulders
This is because, before you book in Patong:
- Not only do you have to look at fresh tattoo photos, but you should always look at healed tattoo photos as well.
- Verify sterilization practices
- Don’t just opt for a bargain price
- Click on the link to research the topic online first.
- Don’t make hasty calls after consuming alcohol or partaking in other activities.
- Ask if your artist specializes in your style if you’re seeking that style
Phuket Old town: The Creative side of the island
While Patong is the fast-paced, more commercial side of the tattoo industry, Phuket Old Town is in stark contrast with a slower, more artistic side.
Old Town is a place of Sino-Portuguese influences, cafés, galleries, and boutique shops, and is now home to private tattoo studios with handmade, custom designs.
A large number of artists work on an appointment basis and have well-monitored portfolios.
Why is Old Town Studios unique?
The following are some of the most common tattoo designs done by old city tattoo artists:
- Fine-line tattoos
- Hyper-realism
- Black-and-grey portrait work
- Japanese-inspired designs
- Geometric tattoos
- Custom conceptual pieces
Generally, these studios focus on art collaboration, not on mass tourism.
Generally, the setting is:
- Quiet and professional
- Design-focused
- More private
- Less rushed
- Highly detail-oriented
If one is an avid tattoo collector, Phuket Old Town has built a respectable reputation for not only quality, but for the right kind of quality.
Number of Factors to Take into Account
Patong Is Best For:
- Walk-in tattoos
- Vacation spontaneity
- The traditional tourist tattoo experience. The traditional tourist tattoo experience.
- Quick sessions
- Budget-friendly designs
Old Town Is Best For:
- Detailed custom work
- Fine-line tattoos
- Drawing in a realistic and portrait style
- Serious collectors
- Longer-term tattoo planning
- Before getting tattooed in Phuket, here are some final tips:
The tattoo industry in Phuket is very diverse, with all the different kinds of tattoo parlors from the energetic nightlife parlors down to the world-class tattoo parlors that are tucked away in the old alleys. When it comes to tattoos, you can go all out and have a piece that you can show off for a lifetime, or you can go out of the blue and get a tattoo of a dragon that you’ll be proud of.
