Apart from the famous lake, Nyaungshwe has a lot more to offer. If you are like me who love to get a tattoo everywhere you visit, you can not miss the traditional tattoo here at Inle Lake.

I'm sure you know the famous bamboo tattoo at Thailand. Myanmar offers another kind of authentic tattoo done by bronze needles.

The tattoo shop located in the north of the town Nyaungshwe, not far from the market. You can ask our front desk for the exact location. If you have maps.me, you can easily find the location - "Inle Lake Traditional Tattoos". It's hardly a shop as it's located at the tattoo artist's house which is very similar to any other houses around. Pay attention to the small sign - "Inle Traditional Tattoo"

Once you walk in, the family will welcome you with Shan tea. They will lay the design books out for you before you ask. The design books are all hand-drawn and pass down generation to generation. Note that part of the tattoo (mostly related with Buddha) can only be done on the upper body. If you want a tattoo on your legs/feet, you can communicate with the tattoo artist's daughter. She will show you which ones can be done on the lower body.

Once you choose your traditional Burmese tattoo design the tattoo artist will bring out the tools - needles, ink, etc. The needle will be sterilized by boiling water. The tattoo artist works really fast. It will be done before you realize. After the tattoo, you will be given a small bottle of coconut oil. Different with other tattoos, you shouldn't put any cream on it but coconut oil. You can go swim or be in the sun after.

Q&A you might have:

1. How much does it cost?

My one-line tattoo costs 20k kyats (4mins). And my friends' tattoos cost 40k kyats (7mins) and 50k kyats (12mins). Depends on the size you want and the time will be spent. It's not the cheapest tattoo you can get in Myanmar but it's more meaningful.

2. Is it painful?

Yes. It's definitely one of the most painful ways to get a tattoo. But it's bearable. And it's way faster than a machine tattoo and bamboo tattoo.

3. Is it clean?

Yes and no. No to western standard. The artist is not wearing gloves and you will get the tattoo at the floor in the living room.

But it's safe. The needle will be sterilized by boiling water.

If you have more question, you can either drop us a message or email (SINGINGTRAVEL@GMAIL.COM). Or ask our front desk if you stay with us - https://myallocator.com/booknow/G6Pf0gyVeQCK_p-XWBmrlg

The needles sell on the market