Myanmar is a country located in Southeast Asia, known for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and unique traditions. One of the fascinating aspects of this country is its extensive network of waterways that connect various regions and communities. Many of these waterways are navigable by boats, which are not only an essential means of transportation but also a vital part of the country’s culture and history. The traditional Myanmar boat is known as the Intha boat or the leg-rowing boat.
These boats are unique because they are operated by the fishermen using their legs to paddle. This style of rowing is unique to the Intha people, an ethnic group residing in the Inle Lake region of Myanmar. The boats are long and narrow, measuring up to 30 feet in length and 4 feet in width, and are made from teak wood. The leg-rowing technique requires the fisherman to stand at the stern of the boat, with one leg wrapped around an oar while the other leg is used to paddle. This unique rowing style allows the fisherman to have a clear view of the water while also keeping their hands free to manage their fishing nets.
The boats are also equipped with a large rectangular net that is used to catch fish, which is lowered into the water by a pulley system. Intha boats are not only used for fishing but also for transportation and trade. The boats are used to ferry passengers, goods, and supplies across Inle Lake, a freshwater lake in the Shan State of Myanmar. The boats are also used to transport produce and goods to local markets, including the famous five-day market that rotates among different villages around the lake.
Apart from being a functional means of transportation and fishing, the Intha boats are also a vital part of Myanmar’s cultural heritage. The annual Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, a major Buddhist festival held on Inle Lake, features a procession of beautifully decorated leg-rowing boats. During the festival, the four revered Buddha images from the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda are transported across the lake in these boats, accompanied by a fleet of decorated vessels.