Tattoos in Vietnam

In the time I've been here I've probably seen half a dozen new tattoo parlors open up in the Pham Ngu Lao area alone.
I've yet to get any work done here yet but I have some ideas in mind of what I want.
A friend of mine had a partial upper arm sleeve done here(I've yet to find out where) and the work is certainly of good quality both in terms colour and needle work.
I've been recommended a couple places to go when I get time I'll check them out. Saigon Ink has a good reputation and appears to be one of the more established parlors around.

what you thinking of having done?

PS this is the tread I asked
https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=71741

Laidbackfreak,

I would like some tribal arts to cover my shoulders with.  However, due to the fact that this craft is still relatively new in this country and culture, I still have my doubts.  Like I had mentioned earlier, I have seen some good works.  But, nothing over 5 years old, though.  At the same time, I have seen some badly faded ones, too...  That is why.

Another thing is I live in Can Tho.  Unlike in Saigon, much of this craft is still underground.  But, let me know if you find out anything there.  To me, it would be really cool if one of the Viet Kieu artists come back here and open a parlor.  Then, that would be a really good place to go to.

Yep I hear ya, I know Saigon Ink has been around a long time, but as I said I've seen a fair few new ones pop up in the last 6 months.
I know my way around tattoo and piercing parlors to know a good one when I see it though so at least I'm not that naive.
I did speak to a local guy in Phu Quoc who gave me a contact based in Saigon, but struggled to get hold of him.
I've seen some older guys with some decent ink, that's obviously old without fading or bleeding so I know there are some good artists around its just finding them!

Reminds me of the uk before it became fashionable, plenty of places around but not too many I'd call artists!

I have a dream of going to Japan and getting some work done there by an artist I am aware of(probably no longer around) using the traditional bamboo method. But I suspect it will remain just a dream.

Laidbackfreak,

Yes, getting some works done by one of those guys, or even one of the traditional Polynesian artists, is every tattooist's dream.  And it remains a dream for most because it is tough to find them out side of their respective areas of origin.  And even if you go there, it might take lots of money and convincing before they would work on you.  But, that would be one of the more awesome works.

There's a guy working in the UK now that uses traditional bamboo technique and while I like his work, I don't feel its in the true spirit of the tradition.

Interestingly while the traditional art was dying off over the last few years it has seen a revival tattoo's have become more mainstream and with it that travelers(typically westerners) are seeking out more personal experiences and are looking for the old arts.

I know my tattoo's are personal to me but in keeping with traditional Japanese styles. I know that Asian artists can tell they were done by westerners they do at least acknowledge the work is of a high standard and pays respect to the ancient arts.