Stilts are usually made from "may sang" tree, a thick and flexible bamboo that does not bend or crack. Their length depends on the height of the user. Hand-held pole stilts consist of two long poles, each with a foot support. The stilt walker holds onto the upper end of the pole, rests his feet on the foot plates and pulls upward on the pole while taking a step.

To preserve the unique folk game of the Thai ethnic group, localities in Son La province have made stilt walking an indispensable game in the special occasions of hamlets, especially during festivals such as Xen Ban and Xen Muong, and major holidays.