Phutthaisong: Old Town History and Bueng Sa Bua

Phutthaisong can be explored through different themes: the old commercial district with its two-storey wooden houses, traces of a fortified town, and Bueng Sa Bua as a place for recreation. There are also religious buildings with their own local connections. You can shape your stay around what interests you most: local history, sacred architecture, or a place to relax.

Shophouses and traces of the old town

The historic commercial district is located on Noen Phutthaisong hill, along Rattanasuk Road and Aphairat Road, and at the intersection with Phra Loet Road. It consists of two-storey wooden shophouses; some of these buildings were already showing signs of decay in 2021. The construction style and named streets give the district a distinct character: its history as a commercial district is closely tied to a clearly defined location.

The old town of Phutthaisong was also fortified: it was surrounded by a moat and earthen ramparts. Remains of the moat are still visible today. The moat and ramparts formed part of the town’s former defences; the visible moat remains make some of this history tangible even today.

Evidence of human settlement in Phutthaisong dates from the late prehistoric period, about 3,000 years ago, through to the Dvaravati period. This long timeline adds to the picture formed by the historic buildings and fortifications: local history includes both visible architectural traces and much earlier periods of settlement.

Recreation and religious buildings

Bueng Sa Bua, formerly known as Bueng Yai, is a distinctive recreational destination in Phutthaisong Subdistrict. It offers a different focus from the old commercial district: shophouses and town history take centre stage there, while Bueng Sa Bua is known as a place for recreation. When planning your trip, you can weigh these different options according to the kind of stay you want.

Nearby is the revered Buddha image Phra Chao Yai at Wat Hong, in Mafueang Subdistrict, Phutthaisong District. This location places the religious landmark in Mafueang. It adds a cultural point of interest from the surrounding area to Phutthaisong’s local history, without conflating the two locations.

The ordination hall of Wat Mani Chan, also known as Wat Maha Utom, is in the associated community. It is described as one of the 13 most beautiful temple complexes in Isan. The ordination hall offers a specific architectural point of interest if you are interested in sacred buildings; the stated distinction also places the complex in a regional context within Isan.

Choose the right focus for your trip

When looking for a holiday rental in Phutthaisong, these different themes can provide a starting point. First consider whether you are most interested in the old commercial district and the area’s long history, whether Bueng Sa Bua as a recreational destination fits your plans, or whether the religious buildings are your main focus. Keep the locations in mind: the commercial district and Bueng Sa Bua are associated with Phutthaisong, Phra Chao Yai is nearby in Mafueang, and Wat Mani Chan is located within the community context. Check the location of a specific accommodation against your travel plans so that your choice of where to stay suits the places you want to explore.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Khok Mo, Prasat, Thong Lang, Amphoe Nang Rong, Ban Bua, Talat Pho, Khu Mueang, Khao Khok.

For the broader travel overview: Buriram.