Originally known as Wat Kon Keng, there is no evidence regarding its exact date of establishment. It is said that a herd of elephants came to graze, using their tusks to topple the numerous Buddha statues within the temple, leading to its name being referred to as Wat Kon Keng in the Lanna dialect. It is believed to have been constructed during the reign of King Tilokaraj. Later, the Burmese invaded the Lanna Kingdom, causing significant damage to the towns. The local population was scattered as they fled, leaving the temple abandoned. It wasn't until King Kawila restored the region's independence and was crowned as the ruler of Chiang Mai that progress returned. Subsequently, he launched a campaign to conquer Chiang Saen, bringing back the captured residents and appointing Phaya Chomphu as their leader to settle in the area now known as Ban Yang Neng (in today's Saraphi District). They cleared the wilderness to build houses and establish a community, where they discovered two derelict temples. They undertook restoration efforts, renaming them; the northern temple was called Wat Phaya Chomphu, while the southern temple was designated as Wat Sri Don Mulan, named for its elevated hilly terrain. From that time onward, it has been referred to as Wat Sri Don Mulan.