Hoi An Tattoos, Style

Travelling Hoi An? Let The Hangout Hoi An answer your questions

Posted on by The Hangout Tattoo

When I first moved, I was completely baffled by the layout of Hoi An. It felt overwhelming at first and I spent a lot of time wandering around aimlessly! Which is all part of the adventure of travelling. But I am here to answer some common questions about Hoi An, to best support you in finding what you need, and all about Hoi An. So, I’ll begin with some of the most asked questions I get working here in Hoi An! 

Where is Hoi An Ancient Town? 

Hoi An Ancient town is located in Vietnam’s central Quang Nam Province. Located along the Hoai River, you will find markets, restaurants, cafes, memorabilia stores and I have also added in some museums and key places on the map. Basically it is a big square, with lots of little side allies with hidden gems so I encourage you to explore all Hoi An has to offer! You will find that there a few main streets that are only for walking, but you can just park your moped in one of the carparks which usually costs 10,000VND (approx .36cUSD).

Activities in Hoi An

  • My personal favourite was the cooking tour I did whilst staying at Mad Monkey. We made 5 different dishes, on the lake, did the coconut boats, watched the sunset as we ate our last meal. The guide was so friendly and took us to the local market to collect our ingredients. I suggest this tour to everyone I meet! 
  • Morning Stand Up Paddle Board Tour – I completed this with Fuse Beachside Hoi An, and loved it.. Early morning rise, the guides were both so knowledgeable and got some epic pictures for me as well. Followed by breakfast and beer at Barefoot Beach Bar the Fuse!

Activities in Hoi An

  • Cham Island, Cham Island is a ferry ride away… most hostels/ hotels will be able to organise this for you. Explore the island and the waters by snorkelling, lunch on the shore, as well as being able to complete your first ever dive/ or if you’re an experienced diver, you can complete a few different intermediate dives! 
  • Get your tailoring done! Hoi An being known for tailor capital of the world, come and get a few items made. I have my go-to linen pants that are my work pants, going out pants and sometimes my pj’s… 
  • Tattoos! Come see us for a tattoo at The Hangout Hoi An. We have masters with over a lifetime’s experience between them… From fineline to neo-trad, we do it all.

How Much Are Tattoos in Hoi An? The little picturesque town that is Hoi An, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, charming old town, and vibrant local arts scene. Among the many artistic expressions thriving in all corners of this little town, you’ll end up coming across tattoo art. For locals and tourists alike, getting a tattoo in Hoi An can be a memorable and meaningful experience. It’s also important to understand the pricing situations in Vietnam, which can help you with planning your trip and budgeting accordingly to ensure you have spare dollar-doos to drop on a cool new piece. Factors That Influence Tattoo Prices The cost of a tattoo in Hoi An, just as in other areas of the world, varies based on several factors. It’s also worth remembering that when it comes to tattoos - you get what you pay for. We’ll go into a bit of a list to give you a breakdown of how it works. 1. Size and Complexity: Larger tattoos with intricate designs require a lot more time and effort, which then results in higher pricing. It also depends on what is included in the design (circles and clean straight lines typically increase the price of a tattoo due to the expertise needed to perform the task, for example). Simpler designs and smaller pieces will typically be less expensive. 2. Artist’s Experience and Reputation: Seasoned tattoo artists with a solid reputation often charge more for their expertise, which is understandable. Their experience in the field ensures high-quality work, which many clients are willing to pay a premium for, as with tattoos the focus should be on the quality of tattoo, not the quantity. 3. Colour vs. Black and Grey: Colour tattoos generally cost more than black and grey, due to the additional time and materials required (additional inks, needles etc). 4. Studio Location and Amenities: Studios located in prime tourist areas or those offering high end experiences might charge more compared to smaller and less central shops, as getting a new tattoo is a huge experience in itself - it’s not just about the end product. As an example, here at The Hangout Studio, we offer free consultations as well as free refreshments to our clients during their time with us. Typical Price Range Based on research online as wella s feedback from travellers and locals, we have an approximate breakdown of tattoo prices in Hoi An. Please keep in mind that it also depends on the complexity of the design, as well as individual pricing at different studios - some studios may charge by piece, whereas some other studios may charge an hourly rate. It’s also worth mentioning that most studios have a minimum price, due to the cost of materials used for setting up their station for your tattoo. 1. Small Tattoos (1-3 inches): You’d be expecting to pay between 500,000 and 2,000,000 (approximately $25-85 USD). These are usually simple designs such as symbols, linework or minimalistic art. 2. Medium Tattoos (4-6 inches): These can range from 2,000,000 to 5,000,000 VND (roughly $85-215 USD). Medium sized tattoos often involve more details, as well as more areas to shade and colour, so typically take longer to complete and require additional expertise. 3. Large Tattoos (7 Inches and above): Prices for larger pieces can start from around 6,000,000 VND (around $230 USD) and can go upwards of 10, 20, or 30 million VND ( $390 USD - $1200 USD), but this depends on the complexity and time required, as well as the body part that is being tattooed. Tips For Getting A Tattoo In Hoi An 1. Research and Reviews: Before choosing a studio, be sure to read reviews online and look at the artists portfolios to ensure their style aligns with your vision. You can check out our review page on Google here. 2. Consultation: Schedule a consultation to discuss your design, get a price estimate, and gauge the artist’s expertise. This will also give you the chance at scoping out the studio and seeing if the vibe of the place vibes with what you’re looking for. 3. Hygiene Standards: Ensure the studio you choose follows strict hygiene practices, including the use of sterilised equipment and single use disposable needles. 4. Aftercare: It’s important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by the artist to ensure proper healing and the longevity of your tattoo and to make sure it’s still looking fresh in years to come. 5. Environment: Vietnam is a hot country, and humans tend to sweat when it’s hot - surprise surprise. Be sure to request additional information on aftercare tips when in a foreign country and in a different climate than you’re used to. Conclusion Getting a tattoo in Hoi An can be a unique and rewarding experience that can capture the essence of your visit to this enchanting little town. With a range of studios and prices to suit different budgets, it’s important you do your research and choose an artist who can bring your vision to life in a safe and professional environment. Whether you’re commemorating your trip or just indulging in some additional body art, Hoi An’s art and tattoo scene offers something for everyone.

  • Bike tours! Most hostels/ hotels will offer free bike tours throughout Hoi An rice fields. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself into the true vietnamese style of living by visiting and chatting to the locals. The slow way to explore Vietnam. Whether its the wet season and the rice fields look like ponds, or if its the hot season and everything is lush and green… it’s a sight to be seen. 
  • Thrift shopping… Google search thrift shop on your google maps, Tit2Hand Hoi An, Bee Hoi An, Hien 2 Hand, Talo 2hand will pop up! Such a wholesome day of exploring. 
  • Night Markets… I have never seen a more beautiful place than Hoi An Night Market at night. The river lit with lanterns, boats, street foods, music, coffee places, cocktail bars… Spend a night just walking. Hoi An is a magnificently beautiful place at night.

Hoi An

Places to visit when coming to Hoi An? 

I have so many suggestions from my own love of Hoi An, if you pop into the Hoi An studio I can give you lots but for now, here are some of my favourites: 

  • Barefoot Beach Bar, for a chill evening or wild beach party depending on the day! They have so many different events.
  • An Bang Beach, for a vibrant social beach! 
  • Hidden Beach for a less busy, wholesome beach day with some great local cafes. 
  • Old Town! Honestly, just walk around the walking streets of old town, explore the markets, I know seeing all the little red chairs with the food can be daunting… learn the basics, locals love when you immerse yourself in their food and it is how I have learnt the language so far after only being here 6 months! I’ll give you a hint, “com” means rice, “tam, suon, thit heo’ mean different pieces of pork, and “ga” usually means chicken, depending on the pronunciation, it can also mean fish, “bo” means beef! My personal favourite is “com tam”, which is usually rice with pork belly pieces and morning glory. I highly suggest trying these foods!! 
  • Why Not Bar, Hair of the Dog, Mr Bean Bar, Wanderlust are all great spots to drink. Wanderlust often has wicked live music. 

Places to visit when coming to Hoi An

How important is Hoi An ancient town

While many cities around the world boast “old towns”, Hoi An’s old town is perhaps more deserving of the name than any other. Unlike other parts of Vietnam, it was never bombed during the Vietnam War, and it still retains hundreds of historical buildings, which have garnered it its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With beautiful buildings and lanterns, people visit Hoi An and never want to leave due to its truly beautiful nature.

What is Hoi An Old Town famous for?

Hoi An old town is famous for its rich history, its deeply embedded traditional culture, it’s delicious and unique food like Mi Quang noodles and Cao Lau, and is known as the tailoring capital of the world, where you can have anything tailored to your dream design. You’ll find brightly coloured iconic yellow walled houses, and ornate wooden bridges. The famous Japanese Covered Bridge, dates back to the 16th century and is a beaming attraction at night.

What is Hoi An Old Town famous for

At the Hoi An markets you can get anything your heart desires from fried squid to presents for your friends at home. My personal favourite day, is Cao Lau for lunch by the river, walk around the Old Town chatting to locals, and then head to a restaurant for dinner, heading out for some pretty fun nightclubs afterwards to party until the early hours of the morning. You can see some of my travel suggestions here for some ideas on where to eat, where to stay, what to do and where the party is.

So if you’re travelling Hoi An, pop by The Hangout Studio and have a yarn with us about our favourite spots and ideas. Especially if you have an idea for a tattoo… what we do best here is take ideas and make them reality! Enjoy your time travelling Hoi An. 

Much love from Bonnie and the Hangout Hoi An Team. 

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