A Journey of Ink and Connection: Alex & Cedric’s Tattoo Experience in Vietnam
(By TGC Tattoo, Ho Chi Minh City – Artwork by Thanghoang)
For most people, a tattoo is a mark of memory.
For Alex and Cedric, two friends from France, it became a story of friendship, culture, and discovery — one that brought them all the way to Vietnam, to the creative home of TGC Tattoo.
From Curiosity to Connection
Alex and Cedric had always admired Asian art, especially the power and discipline of Japanese-style tattoos. They spent years talking about getting full sleeves together, something meaningful — a symbol of their shared values and personal growth.
When they came across the work of Thanghoang, a talented artist at TGC Tattoo, something clicked immediately. His flow, composition, and understanding of mythology felt alive. It wasn’t just technical skill — it was storytelling through skin. After a few conversations, they knew Vietnam would be the next stop in their journey.
Arriving in Vietnam
Landing in Ho Chi Minh City, Alex and Cedric were greeted by the vibrant chaos of scooters, colors, and the tropical pulse of the city. But once they stepped into TGC Tattoo, everything shifted.
The atmosphere was calm, focused, and creative — a perfect contrast to the city outside.
They were welcomed by the TGC team with warmth and laughter, instantly feeling more like friends than clients. Despite the language and cultural differences, there was an easy flow of understanding, thanks to the studio’s open energy and the team’s genuine hospitality.
The Tattoo Experience
Their design centered around Zhong Kui, the legendary demon slayer — a figure known in East Asian folklore for driving away evil spirits and protecting the righteous.
The full-sleeve tattoos were brought to life by Thanghoang, whose mastery of Japanese-style tattooing stands out through his clean flow, powerful linework, and sensitivity to composition. He crafted each element by hand — no copying, no repetition — just raw creativity and emotion translated into form.
Under Thanghoang’s hands, Zhong Kui came alive — fierce yet noble, surrounded by textures of smoke and mythic energy that wrapped naturally around each arm. Every line carried intention. Every shade balanced strength and subtlety.
But what truly defined the experience wasn’t only the art — it was the journey itself. The long sessions turned into conversations about life, travel, and culture. Between needle sounds and music, they shared stories, jokes, and quiet reflections. What began as a tattoo session became an exchange of worlds.
Beyond the Ink
For Alex and Cedric, this experience wasn’t just about getting tattoos. It was about trust, connection, and the beauty of being far from home yet feeling completely understood.
They spoke about how the team cared for every detail — from the design process to aftercare — and how the space felt safe, inspiring, and alive. By the end, they said it wasn’t only about the result, but about how it felt along the way.
They left Vietnam with more than ink — they left with a story that could never be replicated. The tattoos told their myth, but the journey told their truth.
Reflections After the Journey
When Alex and Cedric returned to France, people constantly asked about their tattoos — the design, the pain, the meaning. But what they talked about most was Vietnam, the people, and the energy at TGC Tattoo.
They shared how Thanghoang’s artistry and the studio’s atmosphere made the entire experience unforgettable. How every moment — from the first sketch to the final wipe — felt personal and intentional.
It wasn’t just about getting tattooed in another country; it was about feeling part of something creative and human.
The Spirit of TGC Tattoo
For Thanghoang, every tattoo is a story told through vision, balance, and respect for the craft.
For Cobra and the TGC Tattoo team, each client who walks through the door adds a new layer to that story — a connection that goes beyond language or nationality.
Alex and Cedric’s journey reminded everyone at the studio what tattooing truly represents: a meeting of souls, a merging of stories, and a reminder that art has no borders.
At TGC Tattoo, we believe tattoos aren’t just about ink — they’re about people, passion, and moments that stay with you forever.
TGC Tattoo — not the only one, but the best.
