Best Koh Tao Studios 2025
Discover the best places to get your Tattoo in Koh Phangan
Having the best tattoo means choosing the best tattoo studio. Koh Tao, known for its paradisiacal beaches and its diving spots is a popular location for tattoo enthusiasts looking for creativity and authenticity and wild memories. Though smaller than Bangkok, the island boats unique and skilled tattoo artists, each offering an unforgettable experience. With all that tattoo shops, finding "THE ONE" can be difficult. In this article, we’re excited to share our top recommendations for tattoo studios in Koh Tao!
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: Search on Google to review the number of reviews and the overall rating of the studio (if the studio has more than 30-50 reviews and more than 4,5/5 that is a pretty good sign). Also, this will help you get an idea of the place and view others' experiences, including the positives and negatives.
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Number of Tattoo Artists: While having one tattoo artist isn’t a drawback, a studio with multiple artists may offer more styles, giving you chances to find an expert in the kind of tattoo you want. A studio with numerous artists may also possess additional equipment, reflecting quality. Look up the tattoo artists' names online to assess their reputation.
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Studio Images: If you check online some photos of the studio, they can offer insights into how the place is managed (e.g., whether it looks clean, modern, etc.).
- Tattoo Images: Tattooing is an art form, and like all types of art, it’s pretty subjective. Even if everything seems good, the artist's style may not suit your expectations, so it’s helpful to look at their work to see if they can deliver what you’re looking for. It's not your fault our their fault. Some of them are just specialized in a specific type of tattoo
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 essential to select a skilled professional when choosing something permanent for your skin. Selecting the right artist instead of a rookie will prevent any future regrets. Trust us....
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Avoiding Scams: Koh Tao has many tattoo studio, and some of them might be amateur establishments that deliver poor-quality tattoos and may not follow hygienic practices. Some others might price higher as you are a tourist (so try to compare with different studios)
- Health Risks: When working with bad tattoo "artist", there is a risk of infection or diseases like AIDS ( if they don't change the needle). It is important to ensure your tattoo artist follows proper hygienic practices by changing the needle and providing aftercare products such as healing or moisturizing tattoo balm.
Our Best Recommendations
We have picked the top 3 tattoo studios in Koh Tao 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. KOH TAO BAMBOO TATTOO
Koh Tao Bamboo is a tattoo studio in Koh Tao mostly specialized in Bamboo Tattoo but also provide machine service. The owner Fah has more than 10 years’ experience in Bamboo Tattoo. The is followed by a team of 4 artist that all have their specialties with Bamboo and machine (minimal, geometric, line work, mandala, color, Japanese etc.)
The studio is cleaned every day and ensure the best sanitary expectations, all artists are wearing gloves and the needles are changed every time of course. Even for the bamboo tattoo it doesn’t actually pierce your skin. Instead, a fresh, sterile surgical steel needle is used for the tattoo. The artist opens a new needle package right in front of you and disposes of it safely when your tattoo is finished.
Summary
⭐: 5,0 (300+ Reviews)
🕑 Hours: 9:30 am – 10:00 pm
💰 Price: Based on the design
🏢 Address: 8 41 ม.2 Koh Phangan - Koh Tao, Tambon Ko Tao, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84360
To contact the studio:
📞 Contact : +66 93 530 9212
🌐 Instagram : Link HERE
🌐 Website : Link HERE
*The three photos above belong to Koh Tao Bamboo Tattoo and can be find on their Instagram (link above)
2. Koh Tao Art Tattoo
Another place which is not specifically know all around the country but that has a strong reputation on this island; Koh Ta Art Tattoo is well known for its expertise both for bamboo ad machine tattoo. The artist has a very good reputation and he is very (like very) careful about the sanitary rules. The only problem you could probably schedule the meeting because a lot of people wants to be tattoed by this artist specifically.
He also provide piercing service and he his as carefull as for tattoos.
Summary
⭐ 5,0 (180+ reviews)
🕑 Hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
💰 Price: Based on the design
🏢 Address: 1/14 Moo 1 Sairee Beach Ko Tao, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84360
To contact the studio:
📞 Contact : +66 81 089 7547
🌐 Instagram : Link HERE
🌐 Website : Link HERE
*The three photos above belong to Koh Tao Art Tattoo and can be find on their Instagram (link above)
3. Thai Art Tattoo
We usually said that a tattoo studio without a website isn’t a good sign… However, studios as “Thai art Tattoo” can prove the contrary. The owner, an award-winning tattoo and piercing artist in 1998, is a very experienced man that you can fully trust! All the reviews you could see to describe is work is unanimity.
He is very flexible and can adapt is style regarding your needs. Finally The artist is as experienced for doing tattoo than follows the sanitary rules!
Summary
⭐ 4,8 (120+ Reviews)
🕑 Hours: 11:00 am – 09:00 pm
💰 Price: Based on the design
🏢 Address: 1/14 Moo 1 Sairee Beach Ko Tao, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84360
To contact the studio:
📞 Contact : +66 82 815 4018
🌐 Instagram : Link HERE
*The three photos above belong to Thai Art Tattoo Koh Tao and can be find on their Instagram (link above)
FAQ: Tips for your Tattoo in Koh Tao
What is the best time of year to get a tattoo in Koh Tao?
The low season (from May to October) is the best moment to get inked in Koh Tao. Because there are fewer travelers around, so studios are less busy, and you can maybe get better prices too.
During the rainy period, there’s sunlight, which also helps your tattoo heal without too much UV rays exposure.
Should I avoid the sea or the sun after getting a tattoo?
YES ! you really should avoid swimming or exposing a new tattoo to the sun during the first few days.
Saltwater, chlorine, UV rays, and humidity all slow healing, may fade the ink, and can even cause infections. Wait until the skin is completely healed before getting back to the beach or pool.
Do tattoo artists in Koh Tao speak English?
Yes, the tattoo artists we recommend in Koh Tao speak English fluently. They’re used to working with international clients daily, so communication is super easy and relaxed.
Bringing photo examples is always a good idea to make sure your design concept is perfectly understood.
How long should I take care of my tattoo?
We can’t say it enough — a tattoo lasts forever! and so does the need for proper care.
To keep your lines clean and colors vivid, moisturize your skin regularly and shield it from the sun. You can check out our full aftercare guide in this article: "How to keep your tattoo from fading?"
How can I help my tattoo heal properly?
During the first 3–5 days, apply a healing balm once or twice daily to soothe and protect your skin. After that period, continue moisturizing regularly (2–3 times a day) to keep the skin flexible and colors bright.
The Laysen tattoo balm is perfect to help your tattoo stay smooth, shiny, and vibrant long term.
Can I ask for a custom tattoo design or should I choose from their templates?
The tattoo studios and artists in Koh Tao we suggest are highly skilled professionals, not beginners. You can absolutely request a custom design, just make sure to talk it through beforehand. Some artists specialize in certain styles (like traditional, fine line, or realism) and prefer to stay in their creative zone.
Clear communication from the start ensures you’ll get exactly the result you have in mind. Reaching out in advance also helps match you with the right artist for your style.