To differentiate Mengla County in China and Mong La Township/settlement in Myanmar the locals call the former "Greater Mengla/Mongla" and the latter "Lesser Mongla/Mengla".

[4] In 1995, the State Law and Order Restoration Council began construction of a replica of Shwedagon Pagoda in Mong La.

[8] Wildlife products from Africa, such as African elephant ivory and white rhino horn, have been observed openly for sale in Mong La, indicating this hub is being used to move such items into China.

[9] [10] There were reports that Chinese company Shanghai Shellpay Internet Technology has planned to construct the Yongbang Blockchain Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mong La.

However, Mong La officials have denied that Chinese firms were permitted to set up a blockchain SEZ in the region.