Tucked away in the far eastern corner of Burma, Kengtung is the historic center of the ethnic Shan State. The name Kengtung means "Walled City of Tung" and refers to a mythological founder of the city. This remote area has long held geographic significance; its three international borders - Laos, Thailand and China - make it a critical lynchpin in the country's defense. During World War II, Kengtung was occupied by Japanese and Thai soldiers because it is 100 miles (160 kilometers) equidistant from all three borders. Kengtung was formally opened to travelers in 1994.