The Mon; a non-Tai group; were resettled in Chiang Mai at the beginning of the 19th century. They were traditionally hostile to the ruling Bamar people of Burma; and therefore generally considered to be natural allies of the Tai; whether in Lan Na; or further to the south in Siam.

The Mon; often associated with water and boats (notably in their main Bangkok areas of settlement at Pak Kret and Phra Padaeng); were settled around Wat Chai Mongkhon on the west bank of the River Ping just north of Charoen Prathet Soi 9. Today; however; there is precious little to suggest a Mon connection with this wealthy and rather over-elaborate temple which clearly receives substantial donations from the city's wealthy Sino-Thai community. It is interesting to note that Mon often worked as boatmen in this area; and that today 鈥榬iver trips' on the Maenam Ping start and end at the Wat Chai Mongkhon river landing.