how long to wait after pre op

TOP 20 SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS NOT TO MISS IN BANGKOK!

Bangkok is an exciting and diverse destination, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to luxury malls or vibrant street markets, the city’s mix of old and new is sure to keep you engaged. For first-time visitors, it’s important to be cautious with tuk-tuk drivers and to negotiate prices in markets. One of the best ways to get oriented in the city is to take a guided tour, which allows you to discover local sights with the help of a knowledgeable guide. Here’s a rewrite of your detailed guide on the top things to do in Bangkok:

WAT PHO

Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest temples, is famous for its grand reclining Buddha statue in gold. The temple’s intricate details and vibrant colors make it a must-visit in the city. Try to arrive early, around 8:00 AM, to avoid the crowds and enjoy the tranquility as the sun rises. This peaceful moment is truly magical and unforgettable.

THE GRAND PALACE

Home to Thailand’s most sacred site, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, dating back to 1782, is a must-see. Be prepared for a strict dress code: long pants or a maxi dress, no exposed shoulders or cleavage, and closed shoes. If you’re not properly dressed, you can rent appropriate attire for a small fee.

For a deeper dive, consider joining a Bangkok Temple Tour to explore the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and more local markets.

FLOATING MARKETS

While primarily geared towards tourists, the floating markets in Bangkok still offer a colorful and sensory-rich experience. Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa, and Khlong Lat Mayom are among the most popular. Here, you’ll find vibrant flowers, fresh fruits, and delicious traditional dishes.

CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET

Chatuchak is the largest market in Bangkok, featuring over 8,000 stalls. Over 200,000 visitors flock here every weekend, so arrive early to avoid the midday heat and crowds. It’s an adventure where you can shop to your heart’s content for unique finds at lower prices in the morning.

EXPLORE THE KHLONGS (CANALS)

For a more authentic Bangkok experience, take a boat ride through the khlongs (canals) to see stilted houses and old wooden townhouses. While river cruises are popular, a khlong tour gives you a glimpse into the daily life of local communities.

CHINATOWN

Chinatown in Bangkok is a food lover’s paradise, famous for its gold shops, vibrant fabric markets, and street food. Yaowarat Road is lined with gold vendors, and at night, the streets turn into a bustling food market. Be sure to try papaya salad and mango sticky rice.

ROOFTOP BARS

For stunning city views, visit one of Bangkok’s iconic rooftop bars. The Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower offers breathtaking views, made famous by the movie The Hangover II. If you’re feeling fancy, consider dining at Sirocco, the world’s highest rooftop restaurant.

ASIATIQUE THE RIVERFRONT

This open-air night market and shopping mall is perfect for a fun night out. With over 1,500 boutiques, 40 restaurants, and even a Ferris wheel, Asiatique offers something for everyone. Get there via boat for the quickest access.

KHAO SAN ROAD

A vibrant street catering to backpackers, Khao San Road is filled with budget accommodations, quirky bars, and street food vendors. Whether you’re sampling fried insects or grabbing a pizza, this chaotic yet fun strip is always buzzing.

STREET FOOD TOUR

Bangkok’s street food scene is legendary, and no trip is complete without sampling its diverse offerings. Join a small group food tour, led by a local chef, to explore hidden culinary gems in the backstreets of Old Bangkok.

WAT BEN (MARBLE TEMPLE)

Wat Ben is a stunning Buddhist temple known for its white marble imported from Italy. The clean, crisp contrast to the typical gold-and-orange temples makes it unique. Arrive early before visiting Wat Pho or the Grand Palace for a peaceful experience.

BANGKOK BIKE TOUR

Experience Bangkok on two wheels with a 4-hour bike tour through the city’s backroads, canals, and temples. Cycling allows you to explore a side of the city that you won’t see from the sky train or tuk-tuk.

PAK KLONG TALAD FLOWER MARKET

Pak Klong Talad is Bangkok’s largest flower market, open 24 hours. For the freshest blooms and a glimpse of local life, visit after midnight when boats bring in flowers. You’ll find far fewer tourists here, making it a hidden gem.

BANGKOK NATIONAL MUSEUM

Home to Thailand’s largest collection of historical artifacts, the Bangkok National Museum offers a fascinating look at the country’s rich heritage. Guided tours in English are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

UNICORN CAFÉ

For those who love all things pastel, glittery, and whimsical, the Unicorn Café is a must-see. The decor is dreamlike, and the food—think rainbow spaghetti and unicorn waffles—is fun and surprisingly delicious.

MAEKLONG RAILWAY MARKET

Just outside Bangkok, the Maeklong Railway Market is an exciting experience where vendors move their stalls off the tracks every time a train passes through. The market comes to life again moments after the train passes by.

WAT ARUN (TEMPLE OF DAWN)

Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is best viewed at sunset when the temple lights up. Hop on a shuttle boat across the river for just a small fee, and relax at Arun Residence while waiting for the perfect sunset view.

COOKING CLASS

If you’re a fan of Thai cuisine, take a cooking class where you’ll learn how to make traditional dishes. Visit a local market to gather ingredients, then cook a multi-course meal in a fully-equipped kitchen.

LUMPINI PARK

Lumpini Park is an urban oasis where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic, rent paddleboats, or join a free aerobic class at sunset. It’s the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

GO SHOPPING

Bangkok is a shopping paradise, offering everything from street markets to luxury malls. Central World and Siam Center are among the best shopping destinations in the city, with a wide range of shops and boutiques to explore.

CONCLUSION

This city is a vast cultural hub filled with stunning landmarks and unforgettable experiences, from markets to temples and rooftop views. Whether you’re looking for history, adventure, or relaxation, Bangkok offers something for every type of traveler.

THE TATTOO AFTERCARE: WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but the real work begins after you leave the artist’s chair. Proper tattoo aftercare is crucial for ensuring your new ink heals beautifully and minimizes the risk of infection or complications. This involves a delicate balance of keeping the area clean while allowing it to breathe and heal naturally. 

This guide will provide you with essential tips and information on how to care for your fresh tattoo, from the immediate post-tattoo steps to long-term considerations. By following these guidelines, you can help your tattoo heal optimally and enjoy its vibrant colors and intricate designs for years to come.

TATTOO AFTERCARE: FIRST 30 DAYS AND BEYOND

Healing time varies depending on your tattoo’s size and intricacy. Larger tattoos tend to stay red and swollen for longer as they cause more trauma to the skin.

Day 1

When you leave the tattoo studio, your tattoo will be covered with a dressing. Your artist will tell you when to remove it. Plastic wrap and gauze are typically removed after a few hours, while medical-grade adhesive (known as “second skin”) can stay on for several days. Brands like Dermalize, Flexifix, Saniderm, SecondSkin, Tatu-Derm, and Tegaderm are commonly used.


Fluid, including blood, plasma, and excess ink, may ooze from your tattoo. It will also be red, sore, and warm to the touch. When it’s time to remove the dressing, wash your hands thoroughly before gently peeling it off. Cleanse the area with warm water and fragrance-free soap, rinse well, and then lightly pat dry. Afterward, wait a few minutes before applying the ointment or lotion your artist recommends.

Days 2–3:
Your tattoo will likely have a duller, cloudier appearance as your skin starts healing. Scabs may form.


Continue washing your tattoo once or twice a day, and don’t worry if some ink runs into the sink. This is just excess ink coming up through your skin. Let your skin dry completely before applying the recommended ointment or lotion.

Days 4–6:
By now, the second skin should be removed. Some artists suggest running the area under water while peeling off the adhesive. Make sure your hands are clean before starting.
Gently stretch the adhesive and peel it off slowly. Afterward, cleanse the area, let it dry, and apply the recommended ointment or lotion.


Redness should be fading, and light scabbing may appear. Avoid picking at the scabs, as this can cause scarring. Continue washing your tattoo once or twice daily and applying ointment as needed.

Days 6–14:
Scabs will begin to flake off naturally, but don’t pick at them. Pulling them off prematurely can remove ink and cause scarring. Itching is common during this time. To soothe it, use a fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizer several times a day. If the tattoo remains red and swollen, consult your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional for advice on possible infection.

Days 15–30:
By now, most scabs should be gone, and any remaining flakes will fall off. The tattooed area may still look dry and dull, but it should start to feel smoother. Continue moisturizing until the skin appears hydrated again. By the second or third week, the outer skin layers will have healed, but deeper layers may take 3–4 months to fully heal.

Expect your tattoo to look bright and vivid again by the end of the third month.

Tips for Long-Term Tattoo Care:
Once your tattoo has healed, it’s important to maintain its appearance.

  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to support overall health and keep your skin elastic.
  • Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen to protect your tattoo from UV damage and keep the colors vibrant.
  • Avoid Rapid Weight Fluctuations: Rapid weight gain or loss can stretch and distort your tattoo.

SELECTING THE BEST SKIN CARE PRODUCTS FOR TATTOO AFTERCARE

USE SOAP

Always opt for a mild, fragrance-free soap or a specially formulated tattoo cleanser to clean the tattooed area.

Many tattoo artists recommend:

  • Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Soap
  • Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
  • Dial Gold Antibacterial Soap (although not fragrance-free, some artists recommend it)

USE OINTMENT


For the first day or two, some artists suggest using A+D Original Ointment. Afterward, you can switch to Aquaphor Healing Ointment or Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Organic Magic Balm.

USE LOTION

After the first week, you can switch to a lotion to keep the skin hydrated. Just ensure it is free of fragrances, ethyl alcohol, and additives like colored dyes that can dry out your skin.

Some recommended lotions are:

  • Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion
  • Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

AVOID 100% PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

It’s best to avoid using products that are 100% petroleum-based, such as original Vaseline, during the initial healing process.

Petroleum products are thick and can trap moisture, preventing proper airflow to the tattoo. This can hinder healing and may even cause the ink to fade. Always choose products that allow your skin to breathe while supporting the healing process.

COMPLICATIONS DURING THE TATTOO HEALING PROCESS

While some discomfort and changes in your tattoo are normal, certain complications can arise. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional.

INFECTION

Improper care of your tattoo can lead to an infection. Signs of infection include:

  • Redness, warmth, and pain around the tattooed area
  • Leaking pus or other unusual fluids

In rare cases, contamination of tattoo equipment or ink can lead to serious bloodborne infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tetanus, or HIV. Non-tuberculous mycobacterial skin infections have also been reported.

ALLERGIC REACTION

If you’re allergic to the ink, you may experience a red, itchy reaction at the tattoo site. Red dyes are most likely to cause allergies, although blue and black dyes can also trigger skin reactions like photosensitivity. Always consult your artist or a healthcare professional if you suspect an allergic reaction.

SCARRING

Improper healing, such as picking at scabs or damage from the needle, can lead to scarring. Scar tissue can be permanent, so it’s important to avoid picking or scratching the tattoo while it heals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. When should you start aftercare for a new tattoo?
Aftercare begins immediately after your tattoo is completed. Your artist will typically apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover the tattoo with a bandage or plastic wrap. Follow their aftercare instructions on when to cleanse and what products to use.

2. How long should you keep your tattoo covered after your appointment?
Keep the dressing on for the duration recommended by your artist, typically anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The dressing prevents bacteria from entering, absorbs excess ink and fluid, and shields the tattoo from friction or irritation.

3. What is proper aftercare for a new tattoo?

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before removing the covering.
  • Gently cleanse the tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free soap.
  • Pat the skin dry with a soft cloth.
  • Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer.
  • Let your skin breathe by keeping the dressing off after initial care.
  • Follow this routine for the first few weeks and avoid sun exposure until fully healed.

4. What should you avoid after getting a new tattoo?

  • Avoid scratching or picking at your tattoo. Gently patting the area can relieve itching.
  • Avoid tight clothing that may rub or irritate the tattoo.
  • Stay away from bathtubs, hot tubs, pools, or submerging your tattoo in water.
  • Don’t apply sunblock until the tattoo has fully healed, and avoid direct sun exposure during healing.

5. Can you use Aquaphor on a new tattoo?
Yes, it’s generally safe to use a thin layer of Aquaphor Healing Ointment on a healing tattoo. Unlike pure petroleum jelly (like Vaseline), Aquaphor is more breathable and allows air to circulate, aiding the healing process without suffocating the skin.

CONCLUSION

A tattoo is not only a form of personal expression and art, but also a medical procedure. The artist uses a needle to deposit ink beneath your skin, which creates a wound. Anytime the skin is broken, there’s a risk of scarring and infection. Proper aftercare is essential to minimize these risks and promote healthy healing of your tattoo.