Tattooing In Vietnam: An Art Form Deeply Rooted in Vietnamese History

Tattooing In Vietnam: An Art Form Deeply Rooted in Vietnamese History

The word "tattoo" originates from the Tahitian term "tatau," meaning to mark, draw, or strike, and stems from the phrase "Ta-atuas." Tattooing has a long history, dating back to the Neolithic period in Eurasia, where it often signified belonging to a specific group such as tribes, religious communities, pirates, ex-prisoners, or legionnaires.

Historically, tattoos also served as permanent marks for slaves or prisoners. Once considered a fringe art form associated with rebels, gangs, and the rock, punk, and rap scenes, tattooing has now entered the mainstream, with its popularity soaring globally, including in Vietnam. The proliferation of tattoo parlors in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is testament to this trend. Explore the fascinating world of Vietnamese tattooing in this article.

avatar
Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 05-06-2025
Comments

1. The Tattooing Of The Former Viets

Tattooing is one of Vietnam's oldest traditions, dating back to the early fourteenth century and rooted in ancient legends. According to folklore, 2,000 to 3,000 years ago, Vietnamese hunters frequently faced attacks from sea monsters while wading in rivers. Believing that these creatures targeted only those who resembled them, people began tattooing images of sea monsters on their chests, backs, legs, or arms to protect themselves.

Vietnamese tattooing is one of the oldest local customs
Vietnamese tattooing is one of the oldest local customs

In feudal Vietnam, tattoos also signified clan membership. Warriors often tattooed themselves to pay homage to their lords, particularly in battles against Chinese invaders. Additionally, the practice was prevalent among the pirates of Halong Bay, who used the area's complex geography as a hideout. This rich history highlights the deep cultural significance of tattooing in Vietnam.

Shapes and Styles of Ancient Vietnamese Tattoos
Shapes and Styles of Ancient Vietnamese Tattoos

2. Traditional Vietnamese Tattoo Designs

A Vietnamese tattoo often marks an important moment in life, if pleasant or painful, such as birth, death, or personal and professional success. As a result, both the design and the placement of the tattoo on the body (such as the back, torso, arms, legs, or private areas) carry significant meaning.

In Vietnam, tattoo styles and designs frequently incorporate symbols from Vietnamese culture. Among the most popular symbols is the dragon, a sacred mythical creature considered the most important of the twelve zodiac animals. Symbolizing honor, power, and intelligence, the dragon is believed to bring good luck.

The lotus flower is another highly regarded tattoo design, especially among women, due to its deep symbolic value in Vietnamese Buddhist culture. Despite growing in muddy water, the lotus blooms into a pure and beautiful flower, representing wisdom and enlightenment.

Lotus tattoos for women symbolize purity, strength, femininity, and bring prosperity and luck.
Lotus tattoos for women symbolize purity, strength, femininity, and bring prosperity and luck

The phoenix, symbolizing immortality, resurrection, and life after death, is also a sought-after motif. It represents male majesty, much like how the tiger’s rich coat pattern distinguishes it from the female and the rooster’s shiny plumage sets it apart from the hen.

Motif of the Ancient Dong Son Bronze Drum
Motif of the Ancient Dong Son Bronze Drum

Yin and Yang represent the duality of all things—contrary yet complementary forces that are foundational to Eastern philosophy. This concept illustrates the dual nature of existence, such as good and evil, light and dark, and positive and negative. Many people choose to embody this balance through tattoos, showcasing the interplay between their inner Yin and Yang.

Additionally, Vietnam's rich diversity, with 54 distinct ethnic groups, introduces a vast array of cultural and artistic concepts. This diversity provides an endless source of inspiration for tattoo designs, each drawing from unique cultural heritages and artistic traditions.

 

3. Where To Get A Tattoo In Vietnam?

Best places to get tattooed in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, the capital of southern Vietnam, is vibrant and dynamic, and is now a hub for tattoo culture. While tattoos were once viewed negatively in Vietnam, associated with marginalized groups, they have now become a widespread social phenomenon.

For those seeking a tattoo during their stay, District 1 is the place to be. This area, rich in tourist attractions, hosts over twenty tattoo parlors. Here are some of the top recommendations:

Tattooing in Saigon
Tattooing in Saigon

Tery Dô’s Salon (Bui Vien Street)

  • Strict hygiene standards
  • Specializes in Japanese style and pure biomechanics
  • Expertise in both color and black-and-gray tattoos
  • Numerous awards in Vietnam and Southeast Asia

Saigon Ink (Tran Hung Dao Street)

  • Run by Danis Nguyen, a brilliant tattoo artist
  • Many national and international awards
  • Team of nine artists, each with unique specializations

Chun Hack Tattoo (Pasteur in HCMC)

  • Fine line tattoos and dotwork.
  • Mini tattoos, often designed based on real images provided by the customer, such as pictures of pets or personalized symbols.
  • Specializing in realistic tattoos
  • Lettering tattoos, with unique styles, combine artistic fonts to express personality.

Saigon tattoo club (5/6 Tran Cao Van, ward 12, Phu Nhuan district, HCM city)

  • Mini Tattoos
  • Portrait Tattoos
  • European, Japanese, Maori, Asian Style Tattoos
  • Scar Cover Ups and Old Tattoo Cover Ups
  • Color and Black and White Tattoos
A Halong Bay Tattoo
A Halong Bay Tattoo

Best places to get tattooed in Hanoi

Although reputed to be more conservative, Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is also experiencing a real craze for tattooing. Among the many tattoo parlors that have sprung up in recent years, five stand out, all located in the old quarter of Hanoi:

Silver Ant Tattoo

  • Creates custom designs for any client
  • Five artists, each with at least four years of experience

3 INK

  • Specializes in trendy Vietnamese tattoos seen on Instagram
  • Ideal for newcomers to tattoos with a friendly and clean environment

La Thanh Tattoo Studio

  • Artists are particularly attentive to detail, offering personalized designs

Bros Ink

  • Known for modern and stylish tattoos, from minimalist to complex designs
  • Check out their Instagram and Facebook for a variety of tattoo styles

1984 Studio

  • Features nine talented artists, each with their own specialty
  • Ensures expertise in your desired style

Below is a map of tattoo shops in Vietnam from North to South:

5. Practical Tips Before Getting A Tattoo In Vietnam

Getting a tattoo in Vietnam is not a trivial practice. A tattoo is for life! Because it is an irreversible act, tattooing in vietnam requires careful consideration. Here are some practical tips before getting a tattoo.

Understand the following to ensure you get the best tattoo in Vietnam
Understand the following to ensure you get the best tattoo in Vietnam

1. Never get a tattoo on a whim

Ask yourself the right questions before going to a tattoo parlor. Why do you want to? Have you learned enough about the subject? Are you ready to wear this tattoo for the rest of your life? Won't you regret it and talk about a mistake later?

2. Choose the right tattoo artist

The tattoo artist will be in charge of making a permanent drawing on your body, so you might as well choose it carefully! Make sure of his artistic professionalism but also of his strict compliance with hygiene rules. Don't hesitate to visit several tattoo parlors and talk to the tattoo artist and explain your project. See our best places to get a tattoo in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

3. Avoid sensitive areas

On some areas of the body, the skin is thinner (ribs, inner arms, etc.) and is therefore more painful to tattoo. On the other hand, some areas are less sensitive than others: the shoulders, back, pectorals and fleshy areas of your anatomy that will best dampen the vibration of the needles.

4. Practice good hygiene during the day

Don't drink or smoke cannabis before getting a tattoo, even though it may de-stress you. Just like aspirin, cannabis thins the blood, and this could make it difficult to get a tattoo if you start bleeding a lot.
 

Don't drink or smoke cannabis before getting a tattoo
Don't drink or smoke cannabis before getting a tattoo

5. Take care of your Vietnam tattoo

Once your Vietnamese tattoo has been done, you will need to take care of your tattoo (hygiene, healing ointment, bandages...) You will have to be patient, not expose it to the sun and wait until everything is well healed before exposing it to the eyes of the world. 

Besides tattoos, Vietnamese people have two long-standing cultures that you cannot ignore: chewing betel, li xi and smoking tobacco. You’ll find more details below!

vietnam tours

>>> See more about things to do in Vietnam by month:

JANUARY FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE JULY AUGUST | SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER

 

Your question or comment
<div class=fs18>Mrs. DUONG Thi Lan</div>Travel Consultant
Lan DUONG, 36 years old
Travel Consultant
Need personalized advice for your next trip? Our local experts are here to assist you every step of the way.
Contact your consultant
Hello ! I am Lan DUONG, your travel advisor
Our information and quotes are free. Feel free to request them from us!
Related articles
Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam: All About Tet Trung Thu 2025!
Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam: All About Tet Trung Thu 2025!
It is no surprise that lunar worship has been practiced worldwide for thousands of years. In Eastern countries like Vietnam, the Mid-Autumn Festival (or Moon Festival) has evolved from the concept of moon worship. This festival, known as Tet Trung Thu in Vietnamese, takes place annually on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, falling in September or October. It is always celebrated during a full moon night, earning it the nickname of the Moon Festival or Harvest Moon Festival. Read our article to learn more about the origin, significance, and celebration of one of Vietnam's largest festivals!
Dont Visit Cao Bang, Vietnam Without Knowing These 7 Things!
Don't Visit Cao Bang, Vietnam Without Knowing These 7 Things!
As Vietnam’s second UNESCO World Geopark since 2018, Cao Bang highlights stunning landscapes and a strong sense of local identity. Aside from the scenery, you'll be drawn to its unique cuisine, daily life in ethnic minority villages (Tay, Dzao, Nung, Lo Lo, H'mong, San Chi, etc.), and the fact that it's still “less touristy”, which makes it both a peaceful getaway and a rewarding stop for adventure travelers.
A Guide to the Best Vegetarian Restaurants Across Vietnam
A Guide to the Best Vegetarian Restaurants Across Vietnam
Vegetarian food in Vietnam isn’t just for Buddhist monks - it’s a healthy, flavorful way of eating that many people enjoy. Vietnamese vegetarian dishes are light, fresh, and packed with taste, making them easy to enjoy even if you don’t usually eat plant-based. In this article, we’ll introduce some of the best vegetarian restaurants in Vietnam, where you can discover a variety of delicious and popular dishes.
Should You Skip Cat Cat Village on Your First Visit to Sapa?
Should You Skip Cat Cat Village on Your First Visit to Sapa?
Sapa, a town in Vietnam's northwestern highlands, captivates travelers with its lush terraced rice fields and rich ethnic cultures. Among its attractions, Cat Cat Village stands out as the most accessible destination, where majestic waterfalls and H'Mông artisan workshops draw thousands of visitors. Yet, this popular spot is also highly controversial. While many are captivated by its scenic beauty, others argue it has become overly commercialized and is little more than a "tourist trap". So, does Cat Cat offer an authentic cultural experience, or is it just a staged attraction? This guide will break down the beauty versus the reality, helping you decide whether the village is a must-see for your itinerary or if you should skip it in favor of Sapa's more remote frontiers.
Trà Quế, the vegetable village in Hội An for a green interlude
Trà Quế, the vegetable village in Hội An for a green interlude
By bike, between the old town of Hoi An and An Bàng beach, we cross a peaceful countryside before seeing the first plots of Trà Quế. This village is known for its vegetable and herb crops, grown using traditional methods. Here, the inhabitants work mainly by hand, barefoot in the earth, using well water and natural algae-based fertilizers. The atmosphere is simple, authentic, and you can stop there to observe the daily work of the market gardeners, or take part in practical workshops organised for visitors.
Bich Dong Pagoda: Serenity Among the Karsts of Ninh Binh
Bich Dong Pagoda: Serenity Among the Karsts of Ninh Binh
Alright, so if you find yourself exploring Vietnam's "Ha Long Bay on Land," one thing you absolutely have to do is visit the Bich Dong Pagoda. Honestly, the journey to get there is half the adventure. Just rent a bike in Tam Coc and cruise through the countryside. You'll pedal past these incredible green rice fields and through tiny villages, getting a real peek into the quiet, everyday life of the locals. The whole vibe is just so peaceful and authentic. Trust me, between its fascinating history and magical setting, the pagoda itself will completely take your breath away.
Top 10 Vietnam Ecolodges to Savor Nature’s Magic
Top 10 Vietnam Ecolodges to Savor Nature’s Magic
Home to majestic mountains and sprawling rice paddies, Vietnam is a treasure trove for eco-tourism in Asia. This wealth of natural beauty has sparked a rise in ecolodges: unique, eco-friendly stays that blend seamlessly with nature. Come explore Vietnam's best ecolodges with us and discover what makes them so special.
Meo Vac: The Most Worthwhile Stop on the Ha Giang Loop
Meo Vac: The Most Worthwhile Stop on the Ha Giang Loop
I realized after I got home that there are two ways to travel the Ha Giang Loop. The first is the way of a tourist, armed with a checklist of must-see spots, whose highest goal is to "conquer" the quintessentials of the loop and get the perfect photos. The second is the way of a traveler, one who doesn't come to conquer, but to be conquered by the land itself. I’m ashamed to admit I started my journey the first way. In my naive plan, Meo Vac was just a name, a place to sleep for the night. But this land wouldn't allow for such shallowness. It forced me to turn off my engine, put away my camera, and learn to travel the second way. This isn't just a review; it's the story of that transformation.
Don’t leave Da Nang without eating at these must-try restaurants!
Don’t leave Da Nang without eating at these must-try restaurants!
When you think of Da Nang, it’s easy to picture sitting by the roadside with a bowl of mì Quảng, dipping crispy bánh xèo into savory sauce, or watching the sunset over the sea while sharing a plate of grilled seafood. The city’s food scene is full of color, flavor, and character, and don’t worry about not finding something that suits your taste, because you definitely will. To make sure you don’t miss the highlights, here’s a handpicked list of restaurants that bring out the best of Da Nang’s food.
The 9 Best Places to Go Cycling in Vietnam
The 9 Best Places to Go Cycling in Vietnam
Visiting a country can be done in a variety of ways, whether through a self-guided tour, a guided tour, or a cruise. Bike tours are very popular in Vietnam, which has many sites and circuits suitable for this type of visit. What could be better than admiring the landscape at your own pace and touring the villages in an eco-friendly way, at a time when environmental awareness is growing? Kampá Tour is also very committed to responsible and sustainable tourism, in order to offer you services with the greatest respect for local populations and the environment. So, in this article, we reveal our Top 9 best places to ride your bike in Vietnam!
Copied to Clipboard!
DMCA.com Protection Status