hanoi tattoo scene back in the day
As a Neo Trad tattoo artist in Hanoi, looking back at the beginnings of Tattoo Stories in Hanoi feels almost unreal. At that time, I was a university student with no tattoos of my own. I only knew tattoos through what people in Vietnam called “gangster tattoos”. It was very fascinating, but also intimidating. I admired the art, yet kept my distance.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter shaped me during those years. It was crowded, messy, and alive. The streets were narrow, filled with motorbike noise, street food smells, and endless voices. People of every background crossed paths there. Local workers wore tattoos, and so did foreign travelers exploring Vietnam. This mix of cultures made the Old Quarter vibrant. It became the perfect stage for my Tattoo Stories in Hanoi.
My first clients were close friends, classmates, and regulars at the small shop where I trained. Among them, one person stood out: a French apprentice who shared my passion for tattooing. He loved design and drawing. He often explained techniques to me and shared his knowledge. Thanks to him, tattooing became more than a hobby. It turned into something I could dedicate my life to.
discovering neo traditional inspirations
A while back, Traditional and Neo Trad styles were almost invisible in Hanoi. Most tattoos were just copied from the internet. But because I could read English, I discovered artists worldwide and explored tattoo culture beyond Vietnam. One name stayed with me: Emily Rose Murray, an Australian artist creating bold Neo Trad tattoos—powerful, timeless works that inspired me before I even knew the style’s name. That inspiration led me to pursue becoming a Neo Trad tattoo artist in Hanoi, crafting tattoos that are strong, striking, and built to last.
Today, tattooing in Vietnam is no longer hidden. It has grown into a thriving art form. Studios and artists now connect with people around the world. Many Vietnamese tattooers, including myself, bring our stories to conventions and international stages. For me, the heart of this growth lies in tradition. I value Traditional, Neo Traditional, and Japanese tattoos because they carry weight and endurance. They are timeless.
Tattoo Stories in Hanoi is my way of embracing this culture and sharing it with the world. Each story reflects both the spirit of Hanoi and the influence of tattoo collectors, travelers, and expats passing through the city.
If you want to see more, visit my Gallery. If you are planning to get tattooed in Hanoi, head to my Booking page. This is only the first chapter of many stories from a Hanoi tattoo artist.