Because Myanmar is geographically endowed with many rivers and streams, boats have been used for thousands of years. During the reign of the ancient Myanmar kings, royal armies used fleets of ships and boats either in warfare or in official ceremonies. The monarchs also sponsored boat races which were usually held around September because of the favourable weather and river conditions, and that tradition has been handed down through the ages.

In boat-racing, there are usually two contending boats with a set number of rowers in each boat. Each rower uses a single oar to propel the boat along the river or lake until the finish line is reached. One of the rowers sits at the bow and tries to reach out to grab the bouquet on the finish line to become the winner.