When and where
Next edition: The date for next year is not confirmed yet; the festival is usually held in March.
When: March (on a Saturday)
Rule: Lunar calendar. Variable: 2026 was Saturday 7 March; 2027 not yet known.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Wat Bang Phra Sak Yant Tattoo Festival
Wat Bang Phra is famous for sak yant, sacred tattoos believed to offer protection. Once a year thousands gather here for a Wai Khru ceremony to honour their teachers, the monk tattooists. Some participants fall into trance and behave like animals, such as tigers. It is impressive but also intense: visitors must be respectful, and it is not a tourist show.
Getting there
Wat Bang Phra is about 50 km from Bangkok in Nakhon Chai Si; taxi or tour.
Highlights
- Wai Khru ceremony Thousands honour their tattoo masters.
- Trance behaviour Some participants take on animal behaviour.
- Sak yant Sacred tattoos with protective meaning.
Tips for Wat Bang Phra Sak Yant Tattoo Festival
- Keep your distance from participants in trance and do not photograph without permission.
- Dress neatly and be respectful.
- Come early; it is very busy.
Wat Bang Phra Sak Yant Tattoo Festival on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The map shows Wat Bang Phra near Nakhon Chai Si, the site of the annual Wai Khru festival.
Frequently asked questions about Wat Bang Phra Sak Yant Tattoo Festival
When is Wat Bang Phra Sak Yant Tattoo Festival in 2026?
Wat Bang Phra Sak Yant Tattoo Festival falls in 2026 on 7 March, at Wat Bang Phra, Nakhon Chai Si. Rule: March (on a Saturday). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Where is the best place to see Wat Bang Phra Sak Yant Tattoo Festival?
Watch it best at Wat Bang Phra, Nakhon Chai Si. Thousands honour their tattoo masters. Wat Bang Phra is about 50 km from Bangkok in Nakhon Chai Si; taxi or tour. Some participants take on animal behaviour. Highlight: Sak yant – Sacred tattoos with protective meaning. Wat Bang Phra is famous for sak yant, sacred tattoos believed to offer protection.
What should I bring or wear to Wat Bang Phra Sak Yant Tattoo Festival?
Keep your distance from participants in trance and do not photograph without permission. Dress neatly and be respectful. Come early; it is very busy. Highlight: Wai Khru ceremony – Thousands honour their tattoo masters. Highlight: Trance behaviour – Some participants take on animal behaviour.
Festivals near Wat Bang Phra, Nakhon Chai Si
- Asarnha Bucha 19 km as the crow flies
- Phra Pathom Chedi Fair 19 km as the crow flies
- Royal Ploughing Ceremony 35 km as the crow flies
- Mother's Day (Queen Mother's Birthday) 35 km as the crow flies
- Father's Day and National Day 35 km as the crow flies
Also in March
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Dok Lamduan Flower Festival (Si Sa Ket)
- Eid al-Fitr (Hari Raya Puasa)
- Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan)
- Hae Pha Khun That (Nakhon Si Thammarat)
- Phuket Heroines' Festival