My husband and I got Sak Yant tattoos with Ajarn Yod through Where Sidewalks End in March 2026. Our entire Sak Yant experience was smooth and amazing! Our English-speaking guide Nuch was kind, sweet,... See more
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Review summary
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We engaged WSE on three occasions in Chiang Mai [Sak Yant, Local Tour, and Monk], and had three unique and amazingly fulfilling experiences! Each of our guides were wonderful people; engaging, th... See more
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Our Sak Yant experience with our guide Wao and Ajarn Tu Nametta was beyond incredible! Wao was the perfect guide and translator, making sure we were accommodated in every way possible and feeling like... See more
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Oaxaca is so popular it can be really easy to slide into a tourist bubble and never really see anything truly authentic. My tours with Where Sidewalk Ends changed all of that. With locals I was abl... See more
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Company details
- #63 of 77 best companies in Tour Operator
- #13 of 17 best companies in Cultural Tours Provider
Written by the company
An off-the-beaten-path Tour Company with a focus on responsible, positive-impact tourism. We find the best experiences worldwide that you don't find in your everyday Guidebooks!
Contact info
1910 Thomes Ave, 82001, Cheyenne , United States
- connect@wsetravel.com
- wheresidewalksend.com
4.6
Excellent
131 reviews
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Typically takes over 1 month to reply
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An unforgettable experience
I recently had the privilege of receiving a Sak Yant tattoo from the revered Arjan Suthin in Chiang Mai, an experience that left me deeply moved and spiritually enriched. The ceremony was a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Thailand, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a meaningful connection with this ancient tradition.
From the moment I entered the sacred space, I felt a sense of tranquility and reverence. Arjan Suthin's expertise and dedication to his craft were evident in every detail of the ritual. The precision and care with which he performed the tattooing process were not only impressive but also reassuring, making the experience feel both safe and sacred.
The emotional and spiritual impact of receiving a Sak Yant cannot be overstated. It is more than just a tattoo; it is a symbol of protection, blessings, and spiritual growth. The ceremony itself was conducted with such respect and mindfulness that it felt like a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
If you are considering this experience, I wholeheartedly endorse it. Not only will you receive a beautiful and meaningful tattoo, but you will also be immersed in a profound cultural and spiritual practice that will leave you feeling transformed and inspired.
Our guide, Khun Noi, has been fantastic, he has accompanied us at all times, he has been of total support. Friendly and kind.
March 11, 2025
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your beautiful words, Eva. We are honored that you chose to receive your Sak Yant with Ajarn Suthin in Chiang Mai, and grateful to hear how deeply the ceremony moved you. It means a lot that Khun Noi’s support helped you feel accompanied and cared for throughout such a meaningful moment. We are truly grateful you trusted us with this sacred experience, and we would be delighted to welcome you back anytime in Thailand, or beyond.
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We had a fabulous experience going to…
We had a fabulous experience going to Josephina’s home. The dyeing and weaving demonstrations were fun. We really enjoyed our own little weaving project. Lunch was simple and delicious. Josephina and her daughters were gracious. Our guide was excellent and helped us through language differences. We highly recommend this tour.
February 22, 2025
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your kind words, Martha. We are honored that you joined us at Josefina’s home and glad to hear you enjoyed the demonstrations, the weaving project, and the meal she and her daughters prepared with such care. It means a lot that Victor’s guidance helped make the day smooth and enjoyable. We are grateful you chose to share this experience with us and would be delighted to welcome you back anytime in Oaxaca, or beyond.
My experience with Ajarn Rung was…
My experience with Ajarn Rung was authentic and made a beautiful memory and experience. The guide was engaging and enthusiastic and friendly!
February 13, 2025
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your kind words, Cristin. We are honored that your time with Ajarn Rung left you with such a meaningful memory, and grateful to hear your guide Jim’s enthusiasm and friendliness helped make the day even more special. We truly appreciate you choosing us for this experience and would be delighted to welcome you back anytime in Thailand, or beyond.
Outstanding Mezcal Tour
My wife and I had a simply outstanding day with Christian as part of a private Artisanal Mezcal Tour in Oaxaca. Not only did we do a deep dive to learn all about the nuances of Mezcal but more importantly we met some amazing passionate people who are dedicated to this craft. We heard stories and shared experiences that will become lifelong memories
Our guide Christian was truly amazing and it felt like we were spending the day with a good friend and getting insights and having wonderful conversations that go far above a typical tour.
I would highly recommend taking a tour with WSE and ask for Christian - you will not be disappointed.
February 22, 2025
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Peter. We are honored you and your wife joined us for the artisanal mezcal tour and glad that Christian’s guidance made the day feel so personal and engaging. It is wonderful to know that the conversations, the people you met, and the stories you shared left you with lifelong memories. We are grateful you chose us for this experience and would be delighted to welcome you back anytime in Oaxaca, or beyond.
This experience was magical
This experience was magical. I would recommend WSE with complete confidence!
February 17, 2025
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your kind words, Regina. We are honored that your Sak Yant with Ajarn Suthin felt magical, and grateful that Khun Jim was there to guide you and Grey through the experience. It means a lot that you placed your confidence in us, and we would be delighted to welcome you both back anytime in Thailand, or beyond.
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I was hoping for more support from WSE
When I made research to do a Sak Yant in Bangkok, your organization was the most recommended and I got my expectations up because of that and all the comments I read said the support in the experience was very fulfilling which is what I was looking for.
But my experience didn't meet the expectations. I had little to no discussion with the Ajarn before he proposed me a design and asked me for more money.
The woman-translator that was accompagnying me didn't really helped to make me feel at ease either. I had very little explanations whatsoever. She ate chips during my tattoo which felt weird since for me it was a sacred moment... Really if it would have been my first tattoo I would have left.
People were nice and I think the result is amazing and the emotional journey I had was very cool and transformative but no thanks to Where Sidewalks End really.
I'm grateful for the Ajarn, I feel he was gentle and caring but the connection that was supposed to be helped by WSE was not done properly and that did tinted the whole experience. I had very small explications on the design and the words I will have tattooed on me for all my life; when a map of my tattoo was promised, when I asked I never received it just few words and thats it. Really not worth the money I put in WSE for that service.
I don't regret anything and I didn't want to write a review because I felt like it would spoiled how beautiful it was for me appart of that bad companionship, lucky I was accompanied by a friend. If not I think it would have been way less smooth and I would have felt more uncomfortable.
In summary, I'm happy for the tattoo, the chosen design and the work of the Ajarn. I'm really unsatisfied with the support I thought WSE would bring to the experience.
February 4, 2025
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are grateful you chose us to guide your Sak Yant journey in Bangkok, and glad to hear your blessing with Ajarn left you with a design and memory that felt meaningful.
We are sorry to hear the support during your ceremony did not meet your expectations. We always aim to provide clear communication, thoughtful translation, and respectful companionship before, during, and after the experience, including preparation and outlining any additional costs for larger or more detailed designs requested in advance. We take your comments to heart as we continue to improve.
We appreciate your trust in us for such a meaningful experience and hope to welcome you again in the future with a smoother and more supportive journey, whether in Thailand or beyond.
Best sak yant experience
Our guide was wonderful. They picked us up from our hotel and took us to our destination. It is warm, just fans so wear appropriate clothing. Our guide asked us about our values, had us choose our top 5 (we did 5 diamonds sak yant) and our artist did a phenomenal job. I couldn’t be happier with the result! He blessed it, which was beautiful and made me cry (the tattoo didn’t, funny enough). It was an incredible experience, one I thoroughly enjoyed. He uses sterile tips (I watched him pull out the packages) and fresh ink, safety is a huge thing for me. I highly recommend this experience! It’s worth every penny!!!
February 4, 2025
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Jen. We are honored you chose us for your Sak Yant experience in Bangkok and glad to hear the process with Khun Nong and Ajarn Thueng felt so meaningful from start to finish. It is touching to know the blessing moved you so deeply, and reassuring that the care taken around safety helped you feel comfortable throughout. We are grateful you placed your trust in us and would be delighted to welcome you back anytime for another experience in Thailand, or beyond.
Thankful for WSE and their expertise!
I am so thankful for finding this website! WSE is a team of people who have done all the research for you, vetted the Arjan’s and given a very thorough description of what to expect with the experience from start to finish. There were no hiccups on my journey with WSE and I will for sure use them again. I left a review and someone immediately reached out to me about my experience and thanking me for a review! And not an automated email response either. I didn’t quite get the meaning of my tattoo and they offered to get a more detailed description from the arjan for me. Wonderful customer service in a day and age where that’s usually lacking, WSE goes above and beyond.
The ride to the Arjan is why it takes a few hours, the tattoo took only about 30 minutes. I left with goosebumps from my experience and shaking with joy. I would not have had that experience without WSE as they did all the legwork, research, transportation, guide and follow up! I recommend them completely and have in fact given the website to quite a few others.
Don’t tattoo in a foreign country without WSE!!
February 8, 2025
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Kelli. We are honored you placed your trust in us for your Sak Yant experience and glad to hear that everything felt seamless from start to finish. It means a lot that our team’s care, from the research and guiding to the follow-up afterward, helped make the experience so meaningful for you. We are grateful for your recommendation and would be delighted to welcome you back anytime for another experience in Thailand, or beyond.
Phuket Sak Yant Tattoo Guide
My tour guide, Tang, made the experience so comfortable for me. She was super friendly and knowledgeable. She often went out of her way to ensure I had a fulfilling experience. I felt really taken cared of by her. The tattoo experience it self was meaningful and such an amazing cultural experience. Highly recommend.
January 24, 2025
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your kind words, Alvin. We are honored that you chose us for your Sak Yant experience in Phuket and glad to hear that Tang’s warmth and care helped you feel so comfortable throughout the day. It is wonderful to know the blessing with Ajarn Yod left you with a meaningful cultural memory. We are grateful you placed your trust in us and would be delighted to welcome you back anytime for another experience in Thailand, or beyond.
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Where the Sidewalk Ends offers an incredible Sak Yant experience.
From the moment I booked my Sak Yant Bangkok the staff at WSE made me feel very comfortable and answered any questions I had. The morning of pick up from my hotel was easy and the guide very helpful. The entire experience was incredible and one of the most spiritual days of my life. Ajarn To was so pleasant and did amazing work that I could not be happier with. I already have plans to return to Thailand in January '26 and use WSE Chiang Mai for more Sak Yant.
January 22, 2025
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your kind words, Chris. We are honored you chose us for your Sak Yant in Bangkok and glad to hear the day felt so comfortable and spiritual for you. It means a lot to know that Ajarn To’s blessing and Khun Nong’s guidance helped make the experience so memorable. We are grateful for your trust and look forward to welcoming you again in Thailand in 2026, or beyond.
We had amazing experience with our tour…
We had amazing experience with our tour guide Laura and the family in the valley. Laura was so talkative and informed, and always had something interesting to offer. The family was more than generous. It was so wonderful to see you in generational craft. I lived in a in Mexico for a year so I was worried about non-authentic tour experiences. This fall, extremely authentic and intimate, and felt like we were contributing positively by going on this tour to the families life. We also learned a lot and my mom who is a weaver Was overjoyed by the experience
January 21, 2025
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Sarah. We are honored that you and your mom joined us for this weaving experience in the valley. It is wonderful to hear how much Laura’s knowledge and warmth added to the day, and that the generosity of the host family and their craft made such an impression. We are grateful you chose us for an experience that felt authentic and positive, and we would be delighted to welcome you back anytime in Oaxaca, or beyond.
The idea was great but poor implementation
Although the idea was great, the implementation of it was poor. We booked two different experiences with them and both were disappointing, especially for the cost, as it was not cheap. (There were two of us)
The mask experience did not have much instruction or history provided. We started late because two people showed up very late and we still had to walk to the studio. We would’ve loved some history and perhaps some examples for inspiration. Instead it was a mad dash for the blank masks and there weren’t enough options. In the end, they did offer some help but it would’ve been nice to see different masks that the artists had made so we could get some ideas.
The face painting and the photo shoot sounded like an amazing idea. The face painting went well and the artists were local. The photographer was just okay (I am a photographer myself so direction is crucial to get amazing photographs). It then took forever to receive the photos, long after our experience especially for Day of the Dead itself. And to be honest, the editing was very simple and could’ve been done much quicker.
Communication was mediocre at best, and timing was not very good. Would I book them again or recommend them? I’m honestly not sure. Nothing to rave about, but yet the experience wasn’t exactly terrible. Perhaps o wouldn’t have had as high of expectations if it weren’t for the prices I were charged.
November 3, 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you for sharing your feedback, Annie. We are glad to hear you enjoyed aspects of the experiences, but we are sorry to know that other parts did not fully meet your expectations. With the photo delivery, we do advise a 3–4 week timeline in advance and always aim to stay within that, though we understand how important it is for guests to receive them sooner around Day of the Dead. Your comments on instruction, communication, and timing are appreciated, and we will use them to continue refining our services. We are grateful you joined us in Oaxaca and hope to welcome you again in the future for another special experience.
WSE responded to my questions in a…
WSE responded to my questions in a timely and comprehensive manner, the booking process was simple and our guide and driver were both wonderful. This experience wouldn’t have happened without them!
January 28, 2025
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your kind words, Shaelyn. We are honored you and Brad joined us for your Sak Yant experience and glad to hear that everything felt smooth from booking through to the day itself. Khun Khai, your licensed guide, translator and driver, will be so happy to know his support helped make the experience possible. We are grateful you chose us and would be delighted to welcome you both back anytime in Thailand, or beyond.
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Weaving excursion
We had a wonderful experience spending the day with a family of weavers. Our guide, Laura, was excellent! She not only showed us a bit of the town, but added so much to day due to her warm relationship with the family who shared their home and weaving studio with us. This day trip was a highlight of our week in Oaxaca.
January 16, 2025
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Barbara! We’re delighted to hear that your group had such a memorable experience with the weaving family and that Laura made the day even more special with her knowledge and warm connection to them. It’s truly an honor to share these beautiful traditions, and we’re so happy this was a highlight of your time in Oaxaca. We’d love to welcome you back for more incredible cultural experiences in the future! 🌿🧶✨
Great tour
Great tour guide Nong who went above and beyond. The tattoo artist Arjarn Ya was amazing.
December 28, 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your kind review, Benita! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with Nong and that she went above and beyond to make your Sak Yant journey special. Ajarn Ya is incredible, and we are truly honored to work with him and share his craft with the world. We’re so happy you enjoyed the experience and wish you blessings and safe travels. We’d love to welcome you back anytime! 🙏✨
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your family had such a fantastic time on our Oaxaca Ancestral Mezcal Tour. It’s great to know your kids enjoyed the experience too! We’re so glad you loved visiting the local palenque, meeting Conejo and his family, and, of course, eating delicious local food. Thank you for your kind recommendation, and we’d love to welcome you and your family back for more laid-back, fun, and educational adventures in the future! 🌵✨
The tattoo turned out beautifullly
The tattoo turned out beautifullly. Easy pick up and drop off. The company is there for any questions/concerns.
December 7, 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your kind words, Joe! We’re thrilled to hear that your Sak Yant with Ajarn Thueng in Bangkok turned out beautifully and that you've been happy with our communications.
We’re already looking forward to welcoming you back to Thailand for your next Sak Yant experience. Until then, we hope your new tattoo continues to bring you blessings and joy. Safe travels and see you again soon! 🙏✨
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overall bad experience
make up review
i must say it’s a disappointing experience. On the email it says there would be complimentary drink - that never happened. and during the experience my make up was done by an artist instead of a make up artist. the make up that came out was nothing like the chosen reference photo. when it comes to photography, it was done in a really rush way with 2 other guests and literally was done in around only 10 minutes, which we didn’t even get to walk more than 2 blocks.
and when the photos were ready, they could not remember who’s who, asking us to send a selfie for them to identify us in the group! thats really unprofessional, and the photos came out really bad too… overall bad experience and not worth the money
November 3, 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you for your feedback Esther; we’re truly sorry to hear you felt disappointed with your experience.
We’re very surprised by your review, as we took great care to deliver what was promised and ensure everything ran as smoothly as possible, as well as from our friendly and appreciative communications with you on WhatsApp.
Complimentary drinks, including fresh coffee and tea, were available at the studio, and many guests enjoyed them — we’re sorry if this wasn’t communicated clearly. Had you only asked while there, the drink station was right behind the seat where you had your make-up done.
The local makeup artist is a seasoned professional, internationally recognized for her art, and Day of the Dead makeup has been something she's been doing for years. We're sorry if her interpretations of the example weren't in line with your vision.
The photo shoot was intentionally held in Jalatlaco, steps from where the studio is located to avoid unnecessarily long shoots, and due to its beautiful cobblestone streets, murals, and decorations to enhance the images. We’ve double-checked your photos and feel they beautifully captured you surrounded with Oaxaca's charm, with photos of you laughing and smiling, with creative reflections in the water and in windows, and traditional elements like marigolds and flag banners — similar to the examples on the tour page. Many of the guests have shared their photos online, though we understand tastes can differ, and are sorry it was not what you had in mind.
Regarding the request for a selfie, this was only needed for a few of the guests who arrived out of order, ensuring no one’s photos were mixed up. Despite this, we knew who you were, and your photos were correctly placed in your folder, which was made private as you requested. We’re sorry if you felt this was unprofessional, as we were trying to ensure professionalism through doing that.
While we regret that the experience wasn’t to your standard, we’ll take your comments to heart as we continue improving year over year. Thank you again for your input. We hope the rest of your time in Oaxaca was memorable, and should you ever revisit, we'd happily help with another photoshoot for you, perhaps with some examples of what you would like done and how they differ from what we show online.
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your kind words, Scott! We’re delighted to hear that you had a great experience in Phuket with Ajarn Oh and your guide, Nuch. It’s always our goal to make these moments truly special, and we’re so honored to have been a part of your Sak Yant journey. Wishing you safe travels and blessings always — we’d love to welcome you back anytime! 🙏🌏
Nice Experience
Nice Experience
My guide was very empathetic and professional, with a real knowledge and familiarity with Thailand and especially Phuket culture. Ajarn Oh that made my sak yant granted a traditional high level experience and he is both skilled in the esoteric level and artistic creation of the tattoo. Just a detail, the agency may assure its own car for the transfer but moving with efficient taxi of Phuket was confortable for me.
December 11, 2024
Reply from Where Sidewalks End
Thank you so much for your kind review, Paolo! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a meaningful experience with our guide and Ajarn Oh. It’s truly an honor to have been part of your Sak Yant journey, and we’re so glad you appreciated the knowledge and professionalism of the team, as well as the esoteric and artistic skill of Ajarn Oh.
Regarding transportation, we aim to provide the most efficient and convenient option based on each client’s location, whether that’s a private vehicle, taxi, (or public transport, particularly in areas like Bangkok where traffic can be a challenge). We’re happy to hear that the taxi service in Phuket worked well for you and appreciate your feedback as we continually refine our services.
Thank you again for letting us share this special experience with you. We wish you safe travels and look forward to welcoming you again in the future! 🙏🌏
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