Wat Chiang Man is regarded as the oldest temple in Chiang Mai and traces its origins to the founding of the city itself. It was established by King Mangrai in 1297 on the site of Wiang Nopburi, a fortified settlement of the Lawa people that he had used as a camp while planning and building his new capital. Local accounts at the temple add that Mangrai, together with Phaya Ramkamhaeng of Sukhothai and Phaya Ngam Mueang of Phayao, ordered the construction of a chedi at this location, which became Wat Chiang Man. Mangrai is said to have stayed nearby at a place known as Baan Chiang Man, from which the temple takes its name.