Best Koh Samui Tattoo Studios 2025
Discover the best places to get your Tattoo in Koh Samui
Having the best tattoo involves picking the best tattoo studio. Koh Samui, known for its stunning beaches and lively ambiance, is an excellent spot for tattoo enthusiasts looking for a wild memory. While not as large as Bangkok, the island offers a range of skilled tattoo studios, each with its own unique style. Finding the perfect one that suit your expectations can be a challenge with so many choices. In this article, we’re pleased to share our top recommendations for tattoo studios in Koh Samui!
What are the best tattoo studio criteria to consider?
If you want to find the best tattoo shop, consider these criteria:
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Number of Reviews and Rating: Check the number of reviews and overall rating of the tattoo studios on Google. This method is the best way to have a good overview of other's experiences(pros and cons)
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Number of Tattoo Artists: Having only one tattoo artist is not a downside, but a studio with multiple artists could provide a wider range of styles to help you find the most suitable artist for your desired tattoo. In addtion, a studio with multiple artists may have better equipment, signaling a higher quality. You can also check if some of them have a good reputations. (awards)
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Studio Images: Pictures of the studio can offer a glimpse into how the place is maintained (e.g., cleanliness, modernity, etc.).
- Tattoo Images: Tattooing is an art form, and like all art, it’s subjective. Even if everything seems perfect, the artist's style may meet your expectations, so it’s helpful to look at their work to see if they can deliver what you’re looking for.
Note: Price is not necessarily a relevant criterion, as tattoos are generally very affordable in Thailand.
Why Is It Important to Find the Best Tattoo Studio?
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Quality of the Tattoo: It's important to remember that what you choose will be with you forever, so finding the right professional is key to a great experience.
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Avoiding Scams: Koh Samui has numerous tattoo shops, and some of them might be rookies establishments that deliver poor-quality tattoos and may not follow hygienic practices. Some of them can also make you pay more as a tourist (note that the tattoo artist are generally really honest)
- Health Risks: Infection or diseases such as AIDS pose potential risks if you work with amateurs. It’s mandatory to focus on the hygienic practices of your tattoo artist. Make sure the needle is changed, and that they offer aftercare products like healing cream or moisturizing cream.
Our Best Recommendations
We have picked the best tattoo studios in Koh Samui for you. You’ll find helpful details, pictures, and website links to check out the artists’ work and choose the right studio for your tattoo!
1. Home Art Tattoo
The studio is all about bamboo tattooing, giving you the rare chance to get a Sak Yant—a traditional Thai tattoo celebrated for its deep spiritual and protective qualities. You can even have your tattoo blessed by monks, adding a sacred layer to the experience.
With a strong reputation for professionalism and huge concern about hygiene, the studio ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. The artists at Home Art Tattoo Lamai Beach are known for their creativity and talent for customizing designs to fit each client’s style, from traditional pieces to modern looks.
Set right by Lamai Beach, it’s the perfect place for a memorable tattoo experience in a stunning natural setting.
Summary
⭐5,0 (420+ Reviews)
🕑 Hours: 5:00 pm – 00:00 am
💰 Price: Based on the design
🏢 Address: 124, 530 M.3 Had Lamai Rd, Tambon Maret, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310
To contact the studio:
📞 Contact : +66 62 829 8889
🌐 Artist Instagram : Link HERE
🌐 Facebook : Link HERE



*The three photos above belong to Home Art Tattoo in Koh Samui and can be find on their artist Instagram (link above)
2. Starcat Tattoo
Starcat Tattoo, created in 1996 at Chaweng Beach is a very popular tattoo studio in Thailand. Well-Known for its professionalism and strict commitment to hygiene and sterilization, it ensures a safe and pleasant experience for every client. The talented artists at Starcat Tattoo are distinguished by their creativity and ability to customize designs according to individual preferences, offering a range of styles from traditional to modern. Whether you're a tattoo enthusiast or considering your first piece, Starcat Tattoo is the ideal place to transform your ideas into unique body art.
Summary
⭐ 4,9 (200+ Reviews)
🕑 Hours: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
💰 Price: Based on the design
🏢 Address: 167 68 ตำบล บ่อผุด Tambon Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320
To contact the studio:
📞 Contact : +66 83 522 2311
🌐 Instagram : Link HERE



*The three photos above belong to Starcat Tattoo Koh Samui and can be find on their Instagram (link above)
3. The Bamboo Rooms – Samui
The Bamboo Rooms is a renowned tattoo studio with 2 locations: Otley (UK) and Koh Samui (Thailand). They are specialized in the traditional art of bamboo tattooing.
The studio get his reputation from his founder, the award-winning tattoo artist Ajarn Keng. the studio focuses on custom, hand-drawn designs for each client. Bamboo tattooing involves tapping fine needles into the skin with a bamboo stick, causing less pain and quicker healing than machine tattoos.
In Koh Samui, Jay and Geng—skilled artists fluent in English—bring nearly two decades of experience, offering both bamboo and machine tattoos customized to clients' visions. The Bamboo Rooms follows strict UK health and safety guidelines, ensuring a clean, comfortable environment. Known for their vibrant colors and long-lasting quality, bamboo tattoos here are ideal for those seeking unique, meaningful art with a modern approach to an ancient technique.
Summary
⭐: 4,9 (480+ Reviews)
🕑 Hours: 1:00 pm – 09:00 pm (closed on Sunday)
💰 Price: Based on the design
🏢 Address: 167 68 ตำบล บ่อผุด Tambon Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320
To contact the studio:
📞 Contact : +66 91 782 0136
🌐 Instagram : Link HERE
🌐 Website : Link HERE



*The three photos above belong to The Bamboo Rooms in Koh Samui and can be find on their Instagram (link above)
FAQ – Getting a Tattoo in Koh Samui
What is the best time of year to get a tattoo in Koh Samui?
Usually, the low season is the best because the sun is weaker in these months, UV exposure is lower, which generally supports better healing.
However Koh Samui is a specific are in Thailand where It's sunny nearly all the year. So their is not a "best time". Just try to not expose It to the sun and to swim in the sea.
Should I avoid the sea or the sun after getting a tattoo?
Yes. You should avoid swimming and direct sun exposure right after getting inked. Salt water, chlorine, UV rays, and humidity can hurt the skin, slow the recovery process, or fade the color.
On Samui, boat days and snorkeling are really common. Please try to postpone them until the tattoo is fully healed (usually 2–3 weeks). The best would be to do the tattoo at the end of your trip!
How long should I take care of my tattoo?
A tattoo lasts forever, and its care should too. Keep your skin hydrated and protect It from the sun to maintain clean lines and vibrant colors.
Find detailed guidance in our article “How to keep your tattoo from fading?”.
How can I help my tattoo heal properly?
Apply a balm once or twice a day during the first 3–5 days, then continue moisturizing daily (2–3 times). This keeps the skin elastic and your tattoo bright.
The Laysen Tattoo Balm helps your piece stay healthy and vivid over time.
Can I ask for a custom tattoo design or should I choose from their templates?
Of course! Many artists in Samui (and nearby) love creating original work. Share references ahead of time: some focus on bamboo, old school, new school, traditional pieces, others on realism or black & grey. Good communication ensures you get exactly what you have in mind.
Is it okay to get a tattoo after a night out or while drunk?
No! it’s strongly discouraged. Alcohol thins the blood, which can increase bleeding, push out pigment, and compromise the linework. It also raises infection risk and can impair judgment and consent. Some Professional may even refuse service if you’re too drunk.
For the best result, wait at least 24 hours after drinking, come well-rested, hydrated, and have a light meal beforehand.