Bold, brilliant, and etched in Vietnamese spirit, Saigon’s tattoo scene is growing up. Today’s youth mark their individuality through acts of rebellious self-expression, transforming what was once taboo into a cultural force that pulses through the city’s veins…and on its skin.
Spearheaded by trailblazers like Danis Nguyen, whose Saigon Ink became one of the city’s first tattoo studios in 2004, a new generation is now turning skin into personalized scrapbooks. This next wave of tattooing mirrors Saigon itself — suspended between tradition and modernity, and alive with an irrepressible creative drive. It’s part of a broader societal shift, as a formerly conservative metropolis evolves into a vibrant playground for artistic experimentation.
We’ve handpicked three standout studios reshaping the landscape, celebrating not only the ink in Saigon but the artists behind the needle. Each has carved out a sanctuary of raw creativity amidst the restless rhythm of the streets.
Where Cá Mú takes a gentle, traditional approach to tattooing in Saigon, PowxPow brings playful innovation, and Th.ink Room finds serenity in exploration. Together, they’re redefining Saigon’s tattoo landscape — distinct in style, united in ethos.
![Introducing [from left to right] Bảo, founder of PowxPow, Phi, founder of Th.ink Room, Cá Mú, from Cá Mú Ink Gallery.](https://thedotmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Saigon-Tattooists-12-e1747839041540.jpg)
Cá Mú Ink Gallery
Opened in Spring 2024, the thoughtfully curated Cá Mú Ink Gallery has already earned a reputation for meticulous artistry and sincere client care. Nestled away in a suburban hẻm in Bình Thạnh, this attic studio is an immersive refuge from the nearby bustle of market trade: all lush plants, natural light, and the faint hum of a needle at work.
A proud Đà Lạt native, Kiều Oanh — better known as Cá Mú — has been honing her skills since the pandemic. Her path began behind a desk, but she believes she found her “truest form of self-expression” in ink. In a nod to her origins and artistic inspiration, she typically wears áo dài and traditional braids, challenging the stereotypical image of a tattooist.
As a child of Gen Z with the heart of an old soul, a fascination with identity and heritage guided Cá Mú’s journey. Her ability to blend ancient visual references with modern techniques sets her apart, as she draws from local art, poetry, and literature to form a unique language of ink. These influences are infused with the texture of her upbringing — the verdant countryside and cultural depth of Đà Lạt.
Each tattoo tells a story, breathing new life into Vietnamese traditions that span centuries. Her subjects — from scenes of daily routines to antique postage stamps, animal symbolism, and classical garms — evoke the country’s colorful dynastic history, from Lê to Nguyễn.
Looking ahead, she envisions local imagery gaining worldwide recognition, on par with iconic Chinese and Japanese art. She believes Vietnam’s legacy can be reimagined through passionate research and thoughtful tattoo design.
Cá Mú’s respect for the craft was shaped early on by a personal misstep — a tattoo she calls her “ugly regret.” Rather than hide it, she lets it serve as a lifelong reminder to never compromise on quality, whether by going cheap or settling for less-than-perfect execution. Today, she fosters a collaborative, nurturing tattoo experience, deeply engaged in people’s stories and finding fulfillment in each new perspective.
Visitors praise the calm, intimate vibe — where incense, chill music, and wood-paneled decor recall Đà Lạt’s organic charm. “The moment I stepped in, it felt like I was transported out of the city,” said one client. It’s a space where time slows down, inviting full immersion.
Cá Mú is a real Vietnamese original, gracefully channeling her roots through her innovative approach to art.
Where: 89/11 Nguyễn Thượng Hiền, Phường 5, Bình Thạnh
When: Mon-Sun, 11am-10pm
In Short: Classic references, contemporary canvas.
PowxPow
While Cá Mú’s methods cherish Vietnam’s heritage, PowxPow is a vibrant contrast — a creative force powered by the youthful energy of seven distinct voices. This is the place for boundary-pushing and unapologetically bold ink.
Situated in the backstreets of Bình Thạnh, this studio still has the allure of something undiscovered — despite its loyal digital following. Inside, the scent of fresh ink drifts through lo-fi beats and hushed conversation. Sunbeams dance across sketchbooks and tablet screens, while the walls bloom with art, greenery, and works in progress. Hunched over the communal table, the in-house artists brainstorm, joke, and sketch. It feels lived-in, not staged — a space buzzing with process, where everyone’s part of the flow.
Launched in 2020 by founder Bảo (alias Pow), the collective grew out of a craving for artistic freedom. After years spent gaining experience, he decided it was time to stop shaping others’ visions and finally bring his own into the world.
Pow’s dream? “A community devoted to originality and personality, not the same old played-out Pinterest flash.” He assembled a crew from across Vietnam, with backgrounds in architecture, fine arts, and even linguistics — united by a love for custom tattoos and a desire to shake up the scene.
“It was the perfect storm of like-minded people,” he says, “We all brought something different to the table, but we shared a belief that tattoos should be about who you really are.”
PowxPow’s blend of disciplines gives the studio a unique edge, turning it into a breeding ground for innovation. The emerging aesthetic challenges the status quo in a city where traditional tattoo styles still dominate. Influences include graffiti culture and the new school wave of ink — all resonating with today’s youth. It’s a visual language that speaks to a generation eager to disrupt, not conform.
One scroll through their Instagram and you can’t miss the bubblegum family vibe: adventurous, heart-filled, and playful. And it carries into their work — from intricate blackwork to hazy pastels, loud neons, and everything in between.
Offerings range from Ran’s delicate ornamental linework to Xeko’s rainbow crayon dreamscapes. They’ve got something for every taste, timeless or trending.
Drop in, trade ideas, and walk out with something unmistakably yours. Just don’t sleep on it — they won’t stay under the radar long.
Where: 168/63 Nguyễn Gia Trí, Phường 25, Bình Thạnh
When: Tues-Sun, 10am-6pm
In Short: One fam, seven flavors — all fresh.
Th.ink Room
Changing pace once more, Th.ink Room adopts a tranquil, introspective perspective on art. Opened in 2023, it has become a creative hideaway for artists and clients seeking something lasting — beyond just the ink. In a city where fast, flashy tattoo studios outnumber thoughtful ones, Th.ink Room stands in quiet rebellion.
Tucked inside a weathered Vietnamese apartment block, where faded shutters and winding staircases tell stories of the past, this low-key gem offers a cozy retreat from the downtown frenzy.
A cracked ceramic mosaic floor guides you toward shelves stacked with antique illustration books, zines, and tarot cards. The comforting aroma of freshly brewed local coffee mingles with the rustle of turning pages as warm smiles welcome you. Locals and travellers alike linger in the courtyard garden, lost in conversation or leafing through a zine, the slow rhythm of the space mirroring the calm, deliberate artistry that this studio embodies.
For founder and freehand specialist Phi — aka Tattoo Therapist — tattooing is also a vehicle for genuine connection, and you feel that grounded, human energy as soon as you step inside. Each piece is a sacred commitment, born from understanding the client’s journey and translating it into ink. Phi’s approach — deep listening over trend-chasing — is integral to the Th.ink Room philosophy.
In Phi’s words, “embracing your personal aesthetic isn’t optional here; it’s essential.” In a scene often defined by recycled designs and revenue targets, this emphasis on individuality is a subtly radical stance against the worst aspects of ink culture.
Standouts from the organically growing team of in-house artists include Li, a Renaissance romantic with a gift for classical elegance, and Trang, a specialist in traditional handpoke methods. A dive into their archive gives an idea of the various styles waiting to be discovered, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Th.ink Room is a haven for inspiration, celebrating diverse forms of expression by hosting interdisciplinary art events and flash days with international tattooists.
Walk-ins are more than welcome — whether you’re getting inked or simply curious, you’re free to wander in and experience the magic firsthand.
Where others see commerce, these guys see communion.
Where: Room 37, 45 Trần Hưng Đạo, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1
When: Mon-Sat, 11am-3pm (last walk-in)
In Short: Where ink is intentional and stillness speaks.
Contact: Instagram
What To Expect At Our Three Saigon Tattoo Studios Making A Mark
What stands out most about these innovators is their sense of community. In this world, love for the craft comes first — leaving little room for ego or rivalry. Artists speak of deep connections forged across generations, fueled by rising numbers of studio collabs, events, and growing recognition from outsiders.
These inked narratives have fully emerged from the underground — personal yet proudly worn, and contributing to a wider story of identity and belonging.
Whether you’re drawn to a local legend or a dynamic new voice, someone is ready to leave their mark on your skin. All three studios work bilingually in Vietnamese and English, while Th.ink Room’s team also speaks Russian and French, making the experience accessible to travelers from around the world.
Wink Hotels' is a new kind of Vietnamese hotel made for the modern traveler and ready to take on the world.