Koh Phangan has become known as one of the best places in Thailand to get a tattoo. There are many tattoo studios around the island with some very talented and well known local artists. You can choose one of their designs, or if you already have something in mind they will normally be more than happy to help you to realize your own creation.
The island is especially famous for its 'bamboo' tattoo technique. different from the normal machine tattoo as the skin is punctured but not torn. The resulting process is much more gentle - there is no scab, the ink settles well and stays bright for longer. It also heals faster - normally in around four days and in contrast with a machine tattoo there is no problem with going out into the sun straight away.