Kyaing Tong has been the seat of powerful Shan (Siamese) kingdom founded around 1243AD, with its approximate number of 45 Sao Bwas (Shan Chieftains) rulers. Its deliberate location among four nations - Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and China make extremely important in terms of either geopolitics or military tactics.

Keng Tung Kings

• 1243-1247 Mang Kun (Delegate of Mang Rai, founder of Kengtung State)
• 1247-1253 Mang Kyin
• 1253-1264 A son of Mang Rai with a monk in joint charge
• 1264-1317 Sao Nam Nam
• 1317-1324 Sao Hsam Mun Hwe
• 1324-1342 Sao Lak
• 1342-1360 Sao Hsai Nan
• 1360-1370 Sao Yu
• 1379-1387 Sao Sit Pan Tu
• 1387-1390 Sao Ai Awn
• 1390-1403 Ai Wu Hsa
• 1403-1460 Yi Hkam Hka
• 1416-1441 Sao Hsam
• 1441-1456 Sao Hsam si-li
• 1456-1474 Ai Lao Hkam
• 1474-1501 Ai Lao
• Sao Naw Kiao (son of Ai Lao Hkam)
• Hsai Hkaw (son of Ai Lao Hkam)
• Hsai Hpom (son of Ai Lao Hkam)
• Sao Hsam (son of Ai Lao Hkam)
• Sao Kham Mu (son of Ai Lao Hkam)
• 1523-1560 Hpaya Kiao (a monk called to rule)
• 1560-1598 Sao Mong Hka
• 1598-1620 Sao Hkam Tao
• 1620-1637 Sao Mong Hkak
• Sao On
• Sao In Hkam
• Sao Awk
• Sao Mong Saik
• Sao Hsam Hpi
• 1730-1740 Maung Nyo (Yawnghwe Shan sent from Ava)
• Sao Mong Sin
• Sao Mong Hsam
• 1787-1804 Sao Kawng Tai
• 1813-1857 Sao Maha Hkanan
• 1857-1876 Sao Maha Hpom
• 1876-1881 Sao Hkam Hseng
• 1881-1886 Sao Kawng Tai
• 1886-1897 Sao Kawng Hkam
• 1895-1935  Sao Kawng Kiao Intaleng
• 1935-1937 Sao Kawng Tai
• 1937-1959 Sao Sai Long