The Tai-Khun and Tai-Yai (or Shan-Gyi) are closely related and of Shan extraction. To the east of the Thanlwin River (also called Salween River), the percentage of Khun speakers is high, while to the west, the percentage of Tai-Yai speakers is high. Both the Tai-Khun and Tai-Yai have their own script and literature.

The Tai-Khun villages outside of Keng Tung are built almost entirely of stilted houses. The roofs are made of thatch and bamboo. The construction uses no nails and the materials are all natural.