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• Ilocos Norte

3 Days Ilocos Itinerary: Pagudpud, Laoag, Paoay & Vigan

Exploring Ilocos Region particularly Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur is one of my bucket list of places I wanted to visit. Finally, I was able to with my friends Joy and Ivann. Together with Ivann’s workmates, we rented a van to tour us in Laoag, Pagudpud, and Vigan. If you wanted to know how we did it, here’s how.

Ilocos Region (aka Ilocandia)

The Ilocos Region (aka Ilocandia) is located at the northwestern tip of Luzon. It is one of the most amazing tourist destinations in the country. It has four provinces La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur , and Ilocos Norte .

Our trip focuses on Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud, Laoag, Paoay) and Ilocos Sur (Vigan).

• Pagudpud is the farthest among the three and is already at the tip of Northern Luzon.
• Laoag and Paoay  are two towns, the latter of which is known for St Augustine/ Paoay Church—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in Paoay we wanted to try the 4×4 ride in  Paoay ‘s Sand Dunes
• Vigan  is known for the old heritage houses lined up at Calle Crisologo.

Laoag, the “Sunshine City,” is full of religious, historic, and cultural sites.

Day 0: Manila

We left Manila at around 8 pm. As I said earlier, we rented a van for our tour.

Day 1: Paoay and Laoag (Morning) – Pagudpud (Afternoon)

Sikat-tuna inihaw & restaurant.

Our day started with breakfast at Sikat-Tuna Inihaw & Restaurant . This restaurant has a nature-vibe that I like. It can also be crowded as others are stopping over here for breakfast as well.

We hit the road right away after having our breakfast because our schedule is very much packed for the day.

Marcos Museum and Mausoleum

Marcos Museum and Mausoleum also known as The Ferdinand E. Marcos Presidential Center is located in the city center of Batac, Ilocos Norte. The museum used to be the ancestral home of the Marcoses. It is open from Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

The highlight of our visit is when we lined up to go inside the late dictator’s mausoleum. Inside the room is the glass-encased coffin that displays the wax replica of the remains of Marcos. They said that the body of Marcos was preserved in a crypt inside this Mausoleum before his controversial burial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig in 2016.

Entrance Fee : P50 for adults, P30 for students and senior citizens with their ID, and P10 for children aged 10 and below.

How to get to Marcos Museum and Mausoleum : Going to the museum is not that hard, since it is located near to the city center of Batac. You can ride a jeepney or tricycle going to Marcos Museum and Mausoleum at the address of 10-N Lacub, Marcos Ave., Batac, Ilocos Norte. 

Paoay Church

The Saint Augustine Church commonly known as the  Paoay Church , is a Roman Catholic church in the Municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. It is National Cultural Treasure and was was classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Entrance Fee : None

How to get to Paoay Church : Paoay Church is located at Marcos Ave, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. The Church is 45 minutes to an hour away from the bus terminal. You can ride a van or tricycle, just ask the driver to drop you off at the church.

Malacañang of the North

Malacañang of the North is a 5-hectare property that overlooks the serene Paoay Lake. The place used to be  the residence of the Marcoses here in Ilocos Norte during the regime of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. What stood out for me is the grand staircase made of narra wood. It opens from 9am-11:30am and 1pm-4:30pm daily except on Mondays.

Entrance Fee : 30 per person

How to get to Malacañang of the North : Malacañang of the North is located in Brgy. Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. The best way to get here is by joining a guided tour or riding a jeepney or van bound for Paoay. Ask the driver to drop you off at the historic attraction.

La Paz and Paoay Sand Dunes Culili Point

It was very exciting, thrilling and enjoyable to ride a 4×4 and go through the terrains of the sand dunes… It is very similar to the sand bashing of Dubai.

Entrance Fee : It’s FREE to visit Paoay Sand Dunes but it costs  2500 pesos  to rent the 4×4 jeepney which includes the sandboarding activity. Or you can book via Klook – Paoay Sand Dunes Adventure on 4×4 Jeep in Ilocos

How to get to La Paz Sand Dunes : From Laoag City, hire a tricycle to take you to Laoag (La Paz) Sand Dunes in 15 minutes. 

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

This late 19th century lighthouse is worth-visiting. The lighthouse of Cape Bojeador is the Philippines’ highest elevated lighthouse that is still active and kept in the original structure dating back to the Spanish-Colonial period.

Entrance Fee : 20 per person

How to get to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse : Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. If you’re coming from Burgos City Hall, ride a jeepney that will head northeast on the M. Perucho St, It will turn right onto Pres. Ignacio St then left on the Pan-Philippine Highway. Ask the driver to drop you off at Cape Bojeador Lighthouse Road.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

The word kapurpurawan is derived from Ilocano, meaning white, particularly when the sun is on the natural sculpture because of its colour. It is an emblem of Ilocos Norte, a place of prestige, one of the province’s must-visit places.

Entrance Fee : There are no entrance fees to visit the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, but the local community charges an “environmental fee” of 50 pesos. 

How to get to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation : The rock formation is about 3 kilometers from the main highway. Find your way to Laoag, Northern Ilocos and then pick or ride from there to Burgos or Pagudpud. Ask the driver or driver to drop you off on the road to Kapurpurawan near Burgos City. The Laoag travel time is about 1.5 hours.

Bangui Wind Farm windmills

Bangui windmills is my favorite Ilocos Norte tourist spots. We arrived here just enough for the beautiful sunset.

How to get to Bangui Wind Farm windmills : If you’re going to drive from Laoag City, take the Pan-Philippine Highway / AH26. You’ll be able to see Cape Bojeador and Wind Farm Burgos. After passing the Burgos Wind Farm, turn left for a few metres. Travel straight ahead until you enter Estress Resort, then turn right to arrive at the destination.

Day 2: Pagudpud

Kabigan falls.

Our first spot for the day needs a 30-minute easy trek before reaching Kabigan Falls. This waterfall is deeply tucked away somewhere in thick forest terrain, it cascades water from an 87 ft (26.5 m) height and the water is refreshingly cold.

Entrance Fee : 20 per person, Guide Fee is 100 pesos

How to get to Kabigan Falls : You can hire a tricycle or van to get to this place. 

Bantay Abot Cave

Bantay Abot Caves means “a mountain with a hole.” The naturally sculpted hole was steadily eroded by waves until it was wrecked by an earthquake during the 1980’s. It’s sort of like a giant donut! The waves continue to wash through and shape the hole.

How to get to Bantay Abot Cave : You can hire a tricycle or van to get to this place. Going to Bantay Abot Cave will take about 30-45 minutes from Bangui Windmills. You have to get down from the main road to get close to the spot.

Patapat Viaduct

The coastal bridge of Patapat stretches for about 1.3 kilometers connecting Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley. It was constructed in 1986. This bridge has an amazing view of the mountains and the sea on each side.

How to get to Patapat Viaduct : The Patapat Viaduct is a highway—more than 30 meters above sea level. The 1.3-kilometer long coastal road in Ilocos Norte municipality can be located in Pagudpud district. It is a busy street found at the coastal areas of Pagudpud linking Cagayan Valley Highway in Laoag to Maharlika Highway.

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon earned its other name due to its shimmering bluish water.

How to get to Blue Lagoon : From the Laoag Bus Terminal, ride a tricycle to the bus station offering the Laoag-Pagudpud route (around P60). If you are coming from Vigan, take another bus ride to Laoag (P120, per way). From the city proper, the best and most recommended way to tour different parts of Ilocos Norte is by hiring a tricycle. Paoay, Batac, Pagudpud, and Burgos are popular destinations. Rates vary per destination. Blue Lagoon can be reached by taking the North Tricycle Day Tour package (P600).

Day 3 Vigan

Bantay bell church tower.

Bantay Bell Tower served as a watchtower for raiding pirates during the Spanish era. There is no entrance fee here but they accept donations. There is a church nearby for those who wanted to visit.

Entrance Fee : No entrance fee but donations are greatly appreciated for the maintenance of this heritage site.

How to get to Bantay Bell Church Tower : Aside from riding a tricycle or jeepney going to the church, you can join a guided tour that will also take you to other destinations.

Baluarte Zoo

Baluarte zoological park in Vigan is owned by the politician businessman – Chavit Singson. Operating hours are from 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Entrance Fee : There is no entrance fee. You can either walk inside or get a shuttle for only 50 pesos per head. 

How to get to Baluarte Zoo : From Calle Crisologo, you can hire a tricycle going here.

Calle Crisologo

Whenever I search for Vigan on the internet the first thing that comes out is  Calle Crisologo . Me and my friends enjoyed our stroll here. There are a lot of old structure houses that for some reason bring charm to the city. It is beautiful during day time but more lively during nighttime. It was our first time here so we did a local tour in a  calesa .

How to get to Calle Crisilogo : CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE CHEAPEST FARE FROM MANILA TO VIGAN. From the bus terminal, you can take a tricycle going here.

Plaza Salcedo

Plaza Salcedo is just a walking distance from Calle Crisologo. At night there’s a dancing fountain held daily at exactly 7:30 p.m. (another at 8:30 p.m. on weekends) for 30 minutes.

How to get to Plaza Salcedo CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE CHEAPEST FARE FROM MANILA TO VIGAN. From the bus terminal, you can take a tricycle going here.

Where to Stay?

Assuming that you are following this 3 Days 2 Nights itinerary and that you are a budget traveler. Below are the places I recommend for your stay.

Here’s the rough estimate of our expenses:

• P4200  — 3-day, 2-night tour inclusive of transportation, accommodation and entrance fees.
• P1500  — total food expenses including incidentals (drinks, snacks)

TOTAL:  P5,700

Overall, I love Ilocos. I think it’s one of the best and most gorgeous places I have visited EVER. Ilocos is just very easy to fall in love with.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK

• Dry fit Shirt
• Waterproof bag
• Camera / Action Cam
• Snorkeling Gear
• Phone waterproof case

You might want to continue reading:  CEBU ITINERARY – 3 Days Travel Guide + Expenses

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Best Time to Go to Laoag

How to get to laoag, by land travel, getting around laoag, where to stay in laoag, fort ilocandia resort hotel, where to see and do in laoag, go museum-hopping, visit the stone churches, go wild along the coastline, what to eat in laoag.

• Practical Information and Tips

Sample Itinerary in Laoag

Day 1: arrival + diy walking tour, day 2: city tour + culture + food trip, day 3: sightseeing + sandboarding.

• Day 4: Museum Tour +  Vigan Excursion + Departure

Discover the exciting activities and sumptuous dishes of Laoag City in Ilocos Norte. Read this guide to learn about the best time to go, how to go, where to stay, what to see and do, and other travel tips to help you plan your trip to the The Sunshine City of the north.

The word laoag means “bright” or “light” in the native Ilocano language of Ilocos region, that’s why Laoag City is called “The Sunshine City”. It's the provincial capital of Ilocos Norte, has a compact land area, but it’s packed with must-see tourist spots, rugged and mountainous terrain, and amazing beaches.

• Find the best tours in Ilocos to fully explore Laoag
• Book this  1-week Ilocos Baguio Sagada tour package

In Laoag City, you’ll find how beautifully preserved colonial architecture mixes with but still stand out among modern infrastructure. 

Whether you want to chill along the beaches of Pagudpud , try out the fresh local delicacies, coast along the sand dunes, or just take a leisurely stroll around the city center, you will definitely be captivated by the tourist spots and activities in Laoag .

See our popular Ilocos Tours and Activities

Sightseeing tour of vigan city with horse-drawn carriage & transfers, laoag city heritage attractions, paoay lake, church & sand dunes day tour with transfers, ilocos norte laoag & paoay historical attractions day tour with transfers.

If you’re planning to make the trip to the north of Luzon in the Philippines , this ultimate guide can help you create that complete travel Ilocos itinerary to Laoag City.

If you don’t want to sweat buckets during your trip, the best time to visit Laoag is during the cooler months of November to February. Christmas preparations are already in full swing by the time November comes around, so expect a lot of holiday activities during this time.

March to June are the hottest months with temperatures reaching a high of 35 degrees Celsius, with minimal rainfall. These months also coincide with Holy Week and summer break for most schools, so you may see a lot of families with school-age children in Laoag during your visit.

The months of July to October bring rain, and sometimes typhoons. The city experiences an average of 4 to 5 typhoons every year, so make sure to check weather reports regularly, especially if you plan your trip around these months.

The fastest way is to fly to Laoag but if you’re already in Manila , there are also other options that you can choose from. Here are some of them:

Laoag has its own airport, Laoag International Airport, making it more accessible to local and international travelers.

From Manila

PAL Express has direct flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Laoag Airport once a day every Mondays to Thursdays, and twice daily from Friday to Sunday. Travel time by plane from Manila to Laoag is about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

There are currently no direct domestic flights from major cities outside of Manila to Laoag Airport. The best option is to fly to NAIA first, as most major airlines have direct flights from Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro to Manila, then take a flight to Laoag.

From International Airports

There are currently no direct international flights to Laoag. If you’re coming from outside the Philippines, we advise to fly to NAIA first, then take a PAL Express flight to Laoag Airport. Or, you can fly straight to Clark International Airport in Clark, Pampanga, then board a bus from Dau Terminal to Laoag. Travel time by bus from Dau to Laoag is about 4 to 6 hours.

Laoag is about 487km from Manila, and it takes an average of 10 hours to travel to the city. The land travel to Laoag may be longer than a flight from Manila but it’s cheaper. Here are some of your transport options.

Private Car From Manila

You can either bring a private car or hire a private van. The fastest way to drive to Laoag is via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), then take the exit to SCTEX/Clark Airport.

From there, follow the signs for Tarlac/Baguio/TPLEX, continue onto the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, and traverse the Mac Arthur Highway to get to the city. Total driving time from Manila to Laoag is about 8 hours.

By Bus from Manila

GV Florida Transport buses depart from Sampaloc, Manila terminal to Laoag every four hours daily. Partas Bus Line also has daily trips to Laoag from Cubao, Quezon City .

You can choose from a regular aircon, luxury, and super deluxe bus. From the bus terminal, you can catch a jeepney or taxi to your hotel, or to other towns and cities near Laoag.

If you brought your own vehicle, or if you rented a van for your trip, you can easily get around Laoag. If you got into the city via public transportation, you can take jeepneys to help you get around. Short trips to and from the city center are easily managed by tricycle, a motorcycle with an attached roofed sidecar. 

You can also explore the city center on foot, as most establishments and attractions within the city are located close to one another. But always remember to bring an umbrella to block the sun’s harsh rays, and a bottle of drinking water to keep yourself hydrated.  

See our popular Ilocos Vacation Packages

Fun 3-day ilocos shared package from manila to pagudpud, la union & vigan with hotel, 2-day scenic ilocos norte & historic vigan shared tour package from manila, scenic 6-day historical ilocos norte & vigan tour package with manila flights, hotel & transfers.

There are several Laoag hotels and resorts ranging from luxury accommodations to budget hotels. Here are some of our recommended Laoag hotels that you can book based on your budget and Ilocos itinerary :

Luxury Accommodations

After an 8-hour drive (or a 10-hour bus ride), you just might want to treat yourself to a little luxury upon reaching the city. Here are your top options for luxury accommodations in Laoag:

Feel at home at Laoag’s top hotel, Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel. The air-conditioned rooms come with complete bathroom amenities, a safe deposit box, personal refrigerator, and coffee/tea facilities.

An overnight stay comes with a free buffet breakfast for two, wi-fi internet access, free use of the hotel facilities, and airport transfers.

Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel has its own shopping arcade, for hassle-free souvenir shopping for your friends and family. The hotel also has its own café, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and golf course so you’ll never run out of things to do!

If you want a spacious room that gives you that perfect Balinese-Moroccan vibe, book a room at the Java Hotel. The air-conditioned rooms come with complete bathroom amenities with cold and hot showers, cable TV, private balcony (for select rooms), and Wi-Fi internet access.  

The Java Hotel has its own bar and restaurant, swimming pool, tennis court, a jungle gym/playground, and a 30m wall climbing facility.

Mid-range Accommodations

Creatures of comfort need not worry about finding the perfect accommodations but don’t want to spend for additional perks. Here are some mid-range hotels in Laoag to suit your sensible budget and tastes:

Comfortably situated near popular Ilocos Norte tourist spots, Vybe Hotel offers comfortable accommodations without breaking your budget.

This 60-room hotel is a short 10-minute drive from downtown Laoag; close enough to get into the city, but far enough from the city center if you want some peace and quiet. Complimentary breakfast is available for checked-in guests. Rooms are spacious and have complete amenities.

Viven Hotel

Viven Hotel is a boutique hotel near the Laoag city center. Their modern and air-conditioned rooms are perfect for guests who want to stay in a place that’s easily accessible to the city’s dining, shopping, and entertainment destinations.

Casa de Renzo Hotel

Get the best value for your money by booking your stay at this small budget hotel. Its wood interior, cozy rooms, and intimate dining area give off a vacation home feel. The hotel has rooms for solo travelers, couples, and small groups. There are even dorm-type accommodations for larger groups.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

Traveling on a shoestring? Laoag also has hotels that cater to solo backpackers and small groups. Check out these best options for budget-friendly hotels in Laoag:

People’s Inn

This small, 11-room budget hotel may have only the basic facilities and amenities, but its spacious rooms, clean surroundings, and proximity to the city center more than make up for it. The hotel is within walking distance to restaurants like Kahel de Luna, and attractions like the Sinking Bell Tower and Museo Ilocos.

Farm Side Hotel

Tucked away on a side street off the main road in San Nicolas, Laoag, the Farm Side Hotel is a quieter alternative for those looking for a place to stay in the city.

The rooms are designed to look like small one-bedroom bungalows, for those who would like to have a bit more privacy. The hotel is within walking distance from Robinsons Ilocos Mall and is a short tricycle or jeepney ride away from the city center.

• Book a Sola Hotel Ilocos Norte tour package

The beauty of The Sunshine City lies in the fact that it’s able to successfully mix the historic with the modern. Even if it’s a buzzing city, travelers can still feel its warm, provincial charm, especially in the top attractions. Here are the spots included in top tours in Laoag where you can experience the wonders of both the old and the new.

See our popular Laoag Tours and Activities

Hassle-free 3-day ilocos norte package at sola hotel with breakfast, & transfers.

If you love soaking up the history, culture, and traditions of a place, make a stop at the Museo Ilocos Norte along General Antonio Luna Street. The museum used to be a tobacco warehouse and houses a large collection of Ilocano, Igorot, and Itneg traditional clothing, everyday objects, and ceremonial pieces. 

• Book a  Laoag City & Paoay Ilocos Norte top attractions shore excursion

Batac Museum, also known as the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum, showcases memorabilia of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. The museum used to be the Marcoses’ family home.

Also worth a visit is Malacañang of the North in nearby Paoay. The two-story mansion was a former holiday residence of the Marcos family, which was converted into a museum. Malacañang of the North sits on the edge of the serene and peaceful Paoay Lake.

The Philippines is a predominantly Roman Catholic country. As such, it is not unusual to see numerous churches in different towns and cities.

See our popular Pilgrimage Tours

Most churches in the country are large stone edifices, like St. William’s Cathedral (Laoag Church) in Laoag.

The current church was built in 1612 by Augustinian friars and constructed in the Italian Renaissance style. About 85 meters from the church is the church’s bell tower, also known as the Sinking Bell Tower. It is said that the bell tower sinks at a rate of 1 inch per year.

Some 19 km southwest of Laoag is the Paoay Church, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . In contrast to St. William’s Cathedral, Paoay Church is built in the usual earthquake-baroque style, a type of Baroque architecture commonly found around the Philippines. Both churches conduct masses in Ilocano, English, and Tagalog.

Get an adrenaline rush and head over to the La Paz Sand Dunes! The steep slopes of the dunes make it a perfect place for sandboarding, which involves going down a sand dune on a wooden or plastic board. Rough terrain riding enthusiasts will also enjoy an exhilarating 4x4 ride up and down the sandy hills.

See our popular ATV Tours

Bohol chocolate hills atv ride experience with guide, boracay island atv ride experience, albay mayon atv black lava trail 2-3 hr adventure ride | 6km from volcano crater & exclusive trails.

You can also visit and stare in awe at the Bangui Windmills, Ilocos’ “giant electric fans” on the coast of Bangui Bay, north of Laoag. The windmills are accessible to the public, so you can just head over there to feel the wind on your face while watching the giant fan blades spin.

All that walking, sandboarding, sightseeing, and picture-taking around Laoag will surely make you hungry. Fortunately, there are a lot of great food choices to choose from to whet your appetite. From traditional Ilocano dishes to fusion cuisine, Laoag City has got your tummy covered. 

One restaurant that is precious to Laoag natives is the aptly named La Preciosa. The restaurant comes highly recommended as it serves large portions of Ilocano specialties such as pinakbet (mixed vegetable stew cooked in fermented shrimp paste or bagoong), bagnet (pork belly that is deep fried multiple times in its own fat), dinardaan (offal in pig’s blood), and sarabasab (grilled pork liver in bitter sauce). 

Pizza lovers will find great joy in having their favorite carbs at Saramsam Ylocano. Here, Italy meets the Philippines with the poqui-poqui pizza, which combines the traditional Ilocano vegetable dish made with roasted eggplants, tomatoes, and eggs with fresh pizza dough. Other options such as the pinakbet pizza and longganisa (pork sausage) pizza.

Looking for a snack to tide you over in between sightseeing? Try the Ilocos empanada. These deep-fried pastries are stuffed with green papaya, minced longganisa, mung beans, and egg, and are widely sold at almost every street corner in Laoag.

Its dough is made of rice flour and achuete (annatto) seeds, which colors it bright orange. The best place to sample these tasty snacks in Laoag is in Dap-ayan. 

Practical Information and Tips

Some hotels, restaurants, and commercial establishments accept credit cards, but most smaller shops only accept cash. There are only a few ATM machines in the city proper so it’s still best to bring enough cash with you.

Currency exchange is available in most hotels.

Most hotels in Laoag offer free Wi-Fi internet connection. However, internet access will be spotty at best when you travel outside the city.

Pack light, as temperatures are almost always warm and humid. You can also opt to bring an extra shirt during your tour, so you can swap your sweaty shirt for a fresh one in between activities.

Remember to also bring a jacket or raincoat just in case the weather turns cool and rainy!   

As a city that gets lots of sunshine, make sure to always put on sunblock whenever you head out. Remember to bring your sunglasses, hats, and umbrellas as well!

There are no establishments around the sand dunes, so make sure to bring your own bottled water and something to munch on while taking a break from sandboarding.

Ready to go on an adventure to Laoag and the nearby Ilocos Norte tourist spots? Check out our sample Ilocos itinerary to make sure you get the best out of your trip to The Sunshine City.

11:55 AM -  Departure from NAIA Terminal 2 to Laoag Airport 

01:05 PM - ETA in Laoag Airport 

01:30 PM - Late lunch at La Preciosa 

03:00 PM - Late check-in at Viven Hotel, rest and freshen up 

04:00 - 06:00 PM - Take a DIY walking tour around the city 

06:00 PM - Dinner near the hotel 

08:00 PM - Call it a day. Start bright and early the next day

08:00 AM - Leisurely breakfast at the hotel

09:00 - 12:00 NN - Start of Paoay Tour. Visit Paoay Church, Malacañang of the North and Paoay Lake, which are often included in a cultural tour in Ilocos Norte

12:00 NN - Lunch at Paoay

01:30 - 06:00 PM - Continuation of cultural city tour. Visit Museo Ilocos Norte and chill at the Rizal Amusement Park 

06:00 PM - Dinner at Saramsam Ylocano 

08:00 PM - Back at the hotel. Call it a day. Start bright and early the next day

8:00 AM - Leisurely breakfast at the hotel

09:30 - 12:00 NN - Visit the Bangui Windmills, Patapat Viaduct, and Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, which are often combined in an Ilocos Norte tour

01:00 PM - Late lunch in Laoag City 

02:00 - 05:00 PM - La Paz Sand Dunes: Go on a 4x4 adventure, try sandboarding 

06:00 PM - Dinner at Cuisine de Iloco 

Day 4: Museum Tour +  Vigan Excursion + Departure

09:00 AM - Late breakfast at the hotel 

12:00 NN - Hotel check out 

12:30 PM - Lunch near the hotel 

01:30 - 06:00 PM - Join a Vigan tour . Visit Plaza Burgos, Crisologo Museum, Calle Crisologo, Syquia Mansion, and many more

06:00 - 07:00 PM - Back to Laoag. Dinner. Do some shopping for souvenirs 

07:30 PM - Travel to Laoag Airport 

09:20 PM - Departure from Laoag Airport 

11:30 PM - ETA in NAIA Terminal 2

Laoag City is Ready to Welcome You!

Laoag is a lovely historic city that is the perfect blend of small-town traditional charm and big-city modern lifestyle. It is where centuries-old churches coexist with swanky office buildings and modern commercial establishments, and where the laid-back atmosphere works well with heart-pumping adventures.

The Sunshine City is a great place to unwind, bask in endless sunshine, and feel the fresh clean wind on your face.

Start planning your holiday to Laoag! Check out Ilocos tours and activities that will let you experience the charm of The Sunshine City to the fullest!

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Ilocos Weekend Trip: Summary, Itinerary and Budget

When the Poor Traveler was planning this trip to Ilocos, I did not have much expectations. Sure I had heard about Ilocandia and all the raves about it before on TV but in all honesty, it did not really appeal to me. I just wanted to see the Bangui Windmills, Pagudpud and Vigan. That was all I wanted.

But I got more than I bargained for.

The Ilocos Region is home to the most amazing tourist destinations in the country. I was pleasantly surprised that even up to now, this trip to Ilocos remains on my short list of my best domestic travels. Ilocos is pure love.

One of my friends was right. Each place has its element. Each place offers an intimate relationship with nature. He believes, for obvious reasons, that wind is the element of this wonderful region. He’s right. Yes, the Bangui Windmills is a proof but really, when you’re in Ilocos, you’ll feel like it is a “wind realm,” not just because of its presence and power but also there’s this constant feeling of being embraced by the wind. I don’t know, the wind there seemed to welcome and entertain us.

For example, during visit to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse — my favorite part of the tour — I was standing on the top of the tower, looking over this awesome terrain and it made me realize just how wind changes landscapes and shapes cultures. That’s just me.

Our trip began with a meet up at the Trinoma parking lot at around 9pm. We were a group of 7 and a tour guide-slash-driver was with us. We were able to leave the place 30 minutes later. We had several stopovers starting at a gas station along NLEX. Truth is, I actually don’t remember much about our moments inside the van because I was sleeping most of the time. However, every time we stop (which happened 5 times so some of us could buy food, pee, buy food, and pee) I would wake up but would go back to dreamland after 2 seconds.

The next time I woke up we were on the parking lot of Bantay Church. Here’s our itinerary for Day 1:

• Bantay Church and Belfry in Ilocos
• Breakfast at Cafe Uno in Vigan
• A Wild Encounter at ‘Baluarte’
• Some History, Some Politics Inside Crisologo Museum
• Old School Pottery at the ‘Pagburnayan’
• The Magnificent Paoay Church
• Overnight at Java Hotel in Laoag

We spent the Night 1 at Java Hotel in Laoag City. We actually arrived at the hotel around 4:30pm but we were sooo tired that we all went to sleep right after checking in. We woke up at around 8pm for dinner and went back to bed.

Our Day started earlier than 6am. With renewed energy, we were more than excited to hit the road again especially that we already had an idea on what was in store for us that day.

• The Breathtaking Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
• Blown Away by Bangui Windmills
• Swept Away in Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud
• Kabigan Falls in Pagudpud

It was already dark when we got out of the woods. It was a bit scary but there were many of us so it was not really a problem. We checked in at Polaris Beach House that night. It wasn’t really a luxury accommodation but we were just there to sleep anyway so we didn’t complain. After all, the tour was so cheap we actually believed we got what our money was worth. We had buffet dinner and hit the sack at around 9pm.

Vigan was the only item on our itinerary for that day. We explored the city particularly Calle Crisologo, had lunch at Cafe Leona, bought a tonne of pasalubong and hit the road back to Manila at noon.

• Gone to Vigan

We arrived at around 8pm in Manila.

Here’s the rough estimate of our expenses:

• P3300 — 3-day, 2-night tour inclusive of transportation, accommodation and entrance fees.
• P1500 — total food expenses including incidentals (drinks, snacks)

TOTAL: P4800

Note that this does not include pasalubong yet. I spent around P1200 on pasalubong, mostly longganisa. Hehe. That makes the total P6000 . That’s it. I hope this helps!

Overall, I love Ilocos. I think it’s one of the best and most gorgeous places I have visited EVER. Ilocos is just very easy to fall in love with.

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Related Posts:

• Top 12 Long Weekend Destinations from Manila (No Flights Needed)
• Java Hotel: Where to Stay in Laoag, Ilocos Norte
• Bangui Windmills: Ilocos Norte, Philippines
• Blue Lagoon at Maira-ira Point: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
• Kabigan Falls: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
• Cape Bojeador Lighthouse: Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
• VIGAN: A Museum City in Ilocos Sur, Philippines
• Pagburnayan: Old School Pottery in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

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Hi, this is cool! Where did you get the tour package, “P3300 — 3-day, 2-night tour inclusive of transportation, accommodation and entrance fees.” ? Thanks

hi! great post! i also wanna go in Ilocos w/ my frnds.. may i ask where did u avail the package? thanks! =)

6000 ? i hope u r not shitting us thats a good deal. booked me in.

hi!did you rent a van?how much?thank you

i hope you could post a vacay trip for two. mostly kasi group of 4 or more palagi ung nakikita ko.

Oh, wow, thanks for this! Makes me remember the first – and ONLY – time I was there. That was way back in college when my class Humanities class took a trip to Ilocos. I wish I had brought a camera. I don’t even remember the names of the places we went to :(

Kaya salamat!!!! =>

I will be there on June. But 6k is way more than my budget. hehe.

I wonder which part you were reading.. He’s actually praising your place.. I tried to re-read where he could’ve gone wrong.. pero I can’t read anything bad that he said..

Hi Cherrey, as always, thanks for explaining on my behalf. I love you na. LOL

What he meant po, before pa po niya napuntahan ang Ilocos, yun po ang tingin niya kasi hindi pa po niya napuntahan dba?

So when he got there, he finally saw how worthy it is..

naku… naman..

ahmm.. Hindi po ata ang poor traveler ang nagnenegosyo.. sila po nag hire ata nung which u think is mahal..

hindi po travel agency ata ang poor traveler.. dili travel agency si poor traveler.. nag-abang ra xa atong imong gikalagutan nga mahal kaayo.. kanang mga budget iyang gipanghisgot. mao na iyang mga gasto paglaroy2x.. tsk tsk.. wa na xa nag-negosyo.. share lang niya kung pila iyang gigasto..

Thanks a lot for posting

Hi Roque, I guess you only read the first paragraph. I have ONLY POSITIVE things to say about Ilocos and it remains one of the best places I have visited ever. Thanks for your very passionate comment but I just wish that you read the whole article. Thanks.

where did you get the tour package? planning to go there this sept :) thanks

Where did you get the tour package, “P3300 — 3-day, 2-night tour inclusive of transportation, accommodation and entrance fees.” ? Thanks

Hi Cherry, unfortunately, they are not operating anymore. :(

hey there poortraveler… i am literally poor however i want to go to ilocos also. can you give me a rough estimate of budget for a trip for two. wala kasi akong friends eh. hahaha kidding aside , waht’s the best accomodation which is affordable lang? thanks

Hi Poor Traveler!

I just love Ilocos! I’ve been to Vigan back in 2002 during college but wasn’t able to explore. We plan to go there this May and your blog really helped! I’m so excited for our trip! Thank you for inspiring us to travel far north :)

This is sooooo coooooollll….ever! We’re going there on Friday and I’m so excited to visit the sites you’ve featured here in your blog. BTW, we’ve got 3500 per pax for 3 day / 2 nights tour with accommodation, transpo and entrance fees. I think PoorTrav, they just reopened their business. :))

hi Jay! would appreciate if you can share your contact for your tour. P3500 is great deal! my friends and i were also planning to visit Ilocos soon. thank you very much! :)

hi Poor Traveller! your photos are awesome. thank you for sharing your experiences and the sites you visited. astig! :)

hi poor traveler! i love your blogs. Great work here. I would just like to ask if the 4800 you mentioned above was good for the group (7 heads) or that was a per pax estimated rate?

You’re right, Ilocos is a wonderland. Just made a weekend trip. Everything’s there: old heritage churches and houses, good food, great white sand beaches, windmills, waterfalls and really nice people.

Ayna, basaem gamin amin a dayta write-up ading ko, bago ka agkomentar iti madi. Kababain payen ta sikan ti rimuar nga tanga.(Oh my, you should read the whole write-up first my brother, before you give a negative comment. Its so shameful because you are the one who appeared stupid.)

HI! can ask where you booked your tour? I’m from Iligan City, Mindanao. I’ve always wanted to go there and I am planning to go there by next year. Hope you could help me…thanks :)

Planning to visit the Philippines and would love to visit Ilocos. Where did you booked your tour? Thanks!

We had a grand tour of Ilocos Norte and Sur with the help of our kind guide+driver. Best driver around Ilocos. Drives really fast. Took him 2hrs 45mins to reach Pagudpod from Vigan. During the last Holyweek, we were able to go through most of the sights in 2 full days. Knows all the best places to eat and the best viewpoint to take your souvenir pictures. His name is Jason and you can contact him at this number: 0915-232-5349

Thanks for sharing, David!

Safe ba naman yung Van? legit ba sila? ano number ni Manong Driver?

2010 pa po itong article na ‘to. Wala na po akong contact ng driver and baka nagbago na rin po yung mga details.

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Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel

Guest Reviews

Services & amenities.

Suite with Sea View

Presidential Suite

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Deluxe Room

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Guest reviews (44).

• Cleanliness 3.9
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Front desk hours: 24/7

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• Opened: 1981
• Number of Rooms: 290

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Exploring ILOCOS NORTE: The Pride of Ilocandia

Ilocos Norte is home to a rich number of interesting travel destinations. It has centuries-old churches, stunning natural wonders, as well as magnificent man-made structures. According to the Department of Tourism in 2017 , three of its tourist spots are some of the top favorites of local Filipinos to visit, and these are the beaches of Pagudpud , the windmills in Bangui and the sand dunes in Paoay . All these and more provide an eclectic combination of places a traveler of any age would want to experience.

As my father was born and raised in Ilocos Sur, the whole family would visit our small town there at least once a year. Ever since I was a child, I have always wondered how does Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur’s twin province, look like. I’ve somehow reckoned that maybe it’s the same as what I’ve always felt and experienced in Ilocos Sur. Yes, even as a child, I’ve already pondered about these kinds of things. Haha. I guess you can tell if a child’s gearing to travel when they grow up if they are very interested in geography early on.

I’ve finally set foot in Ilocos Norte about 5 years ago. It took me that long to be able to experience what I’ve always yearned on experiencing. But since then, I have visited the province for three more times (though I was just passing through during the second and third visits). Recently, I’ve enjoyed many of its travel spots again, which serve as my inspiration for writing this blog post.

In this guide to Ilocos Norte, I will walk you through the most interesting places to visit in the province, the best places to dine in and suggest budget-friendly accommodations to stay in. I would also discuss how to get here, how to go around if you’re not bringing a car, and how much you would likely spend. Most importantly, a sample itinerary would be given by the end. Ready? Let’s begin!

ILOCOS NORTE

Ilocos Norte is located in the northwesternmost part of the island of Luzon, Philippines. It is bordered by the mountainous provinces of Apayao and Cagayan in the east, Ilocos Sur at the south, the Luzon Strait on the north, and the West Philippine Sea in the west. A part of the Ilocos Region, it is the least populated among the region’s four provinces.

Most of the Ilocanos, as what the people in the province of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, are Catholics. Ilokano, Filipino and English are the languages dominantly used. Sources of living of the people include farming (i.e. rice, corn, tobacco), fishery and manufacturing and processing of food (e.g. salt, fermented fish, fish sauce, etc.).

HOW TO GO TO ILOCOS NORTE

There are two main methods of going to Ilocos Norte: air travel and land travel .

You can go here by riding the airplane from Manila. Travel time would only take less than an 1 hour.

The more popular means of travel going here is by land. You can ride buses en route to the Ilocos Region, or take your car with you. Travel time, though, would take about 9 to 12 hours. The main bus transits going to Ilocos Norte are Partas (located in Cubao, Quezon City), Florida (located in Lacson Avenue, Sampaloc Manila), and Fari ñas (also located in Lacson Avenue, Manila). When we asked if we can reserve a bus ticket ahead of time, they said we could not, which is why it’s best to go here as early as you can when you’re planning to ride the bus to go to Ilocos Norte.

WHAT TO VISIT

Around Pagudpud

CAPE BOJEADOR LIGHTHOUSE

First constructed in 1892, this lighthouse has served and still serves as a guide to ships sailing by in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. As the town has a rocky coast, the lighthouse warns those who are passing nearby.

Some parts of the lighthouse have been converted to museums wherein a detailed history and description of the lighthouse can be found. There are also old apparatuses and the like that are on display here.

The place is usually crowded, especially in holidays and weekends.

BANGUI WINDMILLS

This wind farm in the town of Bangui is an absolute must-visit when you are in Ilocos Norte. The Bangui Windmills used to be the largest windfarm in Southeast Asia until the one in the nearby town of Burgos was built. Initially having just 19 windmills, it now has 49 that contributes to about 40% of the province’s electricity.

The windmills are impressively 60 m in height, and are located just about several meters from the sea. Its turbines have three vertically-oriented rotor blades that continuously rotate due to the constant heavy winds that pass by in this part of the province.

What makes these structures really stand out are their contribution for sustainable development. They produce energy without leaving any carbon footprint!

KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATIONS

An amazing landmark of nature, Kapurpurawan Rock Formations in Burgos, Ilocos Norte is a sight to behold! Kapurpurawan comes from the Ilocano word “puraw,” which means white. Hence, it features a landscape of various smooth and white rock formations, that are so calming to the eyes!

The drop-off point in this travel spot is about three kilometers away from the main highway. From the entrance, visitors have to go down a flight of stairs then walk towards the rocky coast to reach the rock formations. Depending on the weather, the trail can be an easy walk or it can be very muddy.

PATAPAT VIADUCT

Crossing this bridge in the coastal town of Pagudpud would tell you one thing: you have reached one of the farthest places in mainland Luzon from the capital city of Manila! Claimed to be the 4 th longest bridge in the Philippines, the Patapat Viaduct connects the Maharlika Highway from Pagudpud to the Cagayan Valley. The bridge overlooks Pasaleng Bay, said to be home to hundreds of marine organism species.

People passing by this viaduct would often stop to take pictures of the place, just like what we did when we went here! Haha. By the way, you can see in these pictures that it was drizzling when we visited. It’s not unexpected as it’s still wet season in this part of the country during the time we went (November). Dry season would usually start from late February to early May in this part of Luzon.

AQUA GRANDE

Just several meters away from Patapat Viaduct, the Aqua Grande Resort is a nature park where water from the mountains gush towards Pasaleng Bay.  Aqua Grande  means “large water” in English and this is meant to describe the huge and strong current of the freshwater stream as it passes to meet the saltwater sea.

Some people say that visiting this site used to be free of charge. Currently, the management asks for P35 per person. There are cottages across the area (aside from those shown in the picture), and these can be used by visitors to rest and relax.

BANTAY ABOT CAVE

I fondly remember going here several years ago in this cave because it was full of visitors! As in it seemed like there was no place for “decent” pictures! Haha. That’s why I made it a point to go back here when I have recently visited again the province of Ilocos Norte. Thankfully, there was no one else around!

Bantay Abot means “a mountain with a hole,” and this sight in the little town of Baloi is actually interesting. It is said that its current formation had occurred due to an earthquake a long time ago. Anyway, looking at its greenish and brownish surface against the backdrop of the clear, blue waters is relaxing to the eyes.

BLUE LAGOON

One of the most visited places in the Philippines is Pagudpud, and one of the main reasons why is its white sand beaches! Probably the most popular one among these beaches is Blue Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon got its name because of its aquamarine waters that are truly mesmerizing. This beach can be a perfect spot for resting and relaxing, though it would depend on what time of the year you would be coming. Reminder, this is flocked by people during the summer months, especially so during the holidays!

Around Laoag

I was able to visit Laoag and some of its nearby attractions before. Even though I wasn’t able to visit them recently, I highly encourage you to visit them. Tourist spots that should be on the top of your list when you go here are PAOAY CHURCH, PAOAY SAND DUNES and MALACANANG OF THE NORTH.

HOW TO GO AROUND ILOCOS NORTE

When you’re using your own car to travel to Ilocos Norte, it’s easy to go around the popular travel spots here in this province. It’s best to travel in car when you go here in groups.

During our recent travel, we did ride the bus and toured some of the tourist spots using car. How did we do that? We met our good friends from Isabela who brought their car with them.

If you’re traveling solo or with a small company, don’t fret. It’s okay if you didn’t bring your car to roam around. Tricycles can take you to the different travel destinations of the provinces. They can accommodate 1 to 4 people. Choose the tour or tours that would suit your liking and of course, your time in the province:

• Batac Tour – Marcos Presidential Center and Mausoleum, World Peace Center, Aglipay Shrine, Batac Church and General Ricarte National Shrine
• Paoay Tour – Paoay Church, Paoay Sand Dunes, Malacanang of the North, Paoay Lake
• Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Kapurpurwan Rock Formation, Bangui Windmills
• Kabigan Falls, Bantay Abot Cave, Blue Lagoon Beach, Patapat Viaduct, Paraiso ni Anton, Aqua Grande

With these things in mind, you can visit the travel spots of Ilocos Norte for 3-4 days. Remember, it’s up to you to choose which ones you’d like to explore.

SAMPLE ITINERARY FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY IN ILOCOS NORTE

Meanwhile, here’s a sample list of expenses good for 2 pax in this trip:

WHERE TO EAT IN ILOCOS NORTE

Among all the restaurants we’ve eaten in while in Ilocos Norte, it’s in BergBlick Restaurant that I’ve enjoyed the most. Located in Sitio Salucag, Bgy. Burayoc in Pagudpud, this restaurant features Filipino and German dishes. It has nice ambiance, good service and yummy, value-for-money meals!

WHERE TO STAY IN ILOCOS NORTE

There are lots of hotels/hostels/homestays in Laoag and Pagudpud, but you have to make sure you have already booked before you travel here. Use travel apps (e.g. Traveloka) or go to travel websites (e.g. agoda.com) to look for an accommodation of your choice.

I hope I was able to inspire you to travel to Ilocos Norte, guys! What are you waiting for? Pack your bags now and head to this wonder of a province!

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DIY Travel Guide to Ilocos Norte, Philippines [With Suggested Tours]

Do you want to travel to Ilocos Norte , Philippines? Here’s our DIY Travel Guide to Ilocos Norte , with suggested tours.

Part of the Ilocos Region in the Philippines is Ilocos Norte. It’s a province filled with gorgeous spots from human wonders like the Windmill to natural wonders like the Rock Formation. You will need at least two days to travel to essential spots. It’s great to pair this up with a trip to Ilocos Sur . Read our travel guide to Ilocos Norte to know what you need to do, where to stay, and where to eat.

• List of the Best Luxury Hotels in Ilocos, Philippines
• Letting Go in the Wonders of Ilocos (Philippines)
• Awesome Things To Do in Ilocandia, Philippines
• Travel Guide to Popular Cities in the Philippines – 25 Day Trips That You Can Do in the Philippines
• 10 Best Things To Do In Ilocos Sur, Philippines [With Sample 3 Day Itinerary]

Things to do in Ilocos Norte, Philippines

1. see the windmills.

The first on our travel guide to Ilocos Norte is none other than the iconic Windmills. These enormous windmills are found all over Ilocos Norte, especially in Pagudpud. The most accessible ones are the 20 units along the Bangui Bay. Don’t forget to have to take a photo!

Suggested Tour: Pagudpud Full-Day Tour from Laoag City

2. Visit the Churches

As the Philippines is a Catholic country, you would see, many churches were built a few centuries ago. A few examples are Bacarra Church and Laoag Cathedral. However, the most famous in the region is the Paoay Church. It is a part of the “Earthquake Baroque Church in the Philippines,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Suggested Tour: Laoag and Vigan Full-Day Tour

3. Have a 4×4 adventure !

One of the most thrilling outdoor activities in the Philippines can be done in Ilocos Norte. Ride a 4×4 and go on an exciting adventure on the Paoay Sand Dunes. It’s really electrifying and unforgettable. Don’t forget to try sandboarding, too!

Suggested Tour: Paoay Sand Dunes

4. See the view from Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

A lighthouse made during the 1890s is the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. It’s located at the top of Vigia de Nagpartian Hill. Climb the stairs and see the view of the charming town of Burgos and Cape Bojeador. You should not miss this National Historic Landmark.

5. Relax at the Blue Lagoon

With clear blue waters and white sand, the Blue Lagoon is dubbed as “Little Boracay of the North.” Many resorts are nearby, so it’s really a great place to spend a night at. Don’t forget to try their thrilling zip line towards the lagoon.

Where to stay in Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Budget hotel.

Palm Grove Saud Holiday Complex Hotel

The ambiance of Palm Grove Saud Holiday Complex Hotel is reflected in every guestroom. Television LCD/plasma screen, internet access – wireless, non-smoking rooms, and air conditioning are just some of the facilities found throughout the property. The hotel offers an excellent variety of recreational facilities, including a children’s playground, billiards, garden, karaoke. Whatever your purpose of visit, Palm Grove Saud Holiday Complex Hotel is an excellent choice for your stay in Pagudpud.

Price: Starts at USD 22 for a Standard Room

Mid-Range Hotel

Plaza Del Norte Hotel and Convention Center

An 11-minute walk from Fort Llocandia Golf Course, this functional hotel and convention center is 10 km from Paoay Church and 11 km from Laoag International Airport. The simple rooms and suites have cable TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and city or pool views. Suites add living areas and balconies.

Price: Starts at USD 66 for a Standard Room

Luxury Hotel

Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel 

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel (@fortilocandiaresort)

This smoke-free resort features 3 restaurants, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. All 290 rooms provide conveniences like refrigerators and coffee makers, plus free WiFi and 24-hour room service. TVs, minibars, and free newspapers are among the other amenities available to guests. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations, slippers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Price: Starts at USD 90 per night for a Standard Room

Transportation Tip: If you’re looking for the cheapest way to book the Trains, Buses, Ferries, Transfers on this route, we use 12Go.Asia to compare the prices!

Where to Eat in Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Herencia Café

Address: McArthur Street, Barangay 14, Sangladan, Paoay

If you want to eat Ilocano Food with a bit of a twist, go to Herencia Café. Their specialty is their Pinakbet Pizza, it’s not weird to have pinakbet on your Pizza, and it’s tasty! It’s located across Paoay Church, so you won’t miss it when you travel here.

Johnny Moon Café

Address: La Tabacalera Ilocano Lifestyle Center, Laoag

Johnny Moon Café might have a westernized name, but the dishes are Ilocano and Italian. It’s also near Ilocos Museum, so if you are hungry after your tour, drop by here. The foods are delicious, and the service is amazing.

Cuisine De Iloco

Address: Hernando Avenue, Laoag

You should definitely try Ilocano food when you go to Ilocos. Cuisine De Iloco serves authentic Ilocano and Filipino Food. Ilocano Express, Poque-Poque, and Bagnet are highly recommended here. If you are up for souvenirs, they also serve delicacies.

Kapuluan Vista Resort Restaurant

Address: Sitio Baniaran, Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud

Located near the Blue Lagoon is the Kapuluan Vista Resort Restaurant. They serve delicious Filipino cuisine at a very affordable price. It’s the best place to eat in Pagudpud, so you should definitely stop by here.

La Preciosa

Address: Rizal Avenue, Laoag

If you want delicious Ilocano Food with tasty deserts, go to La Preciosa. Their carrot-cake is something you should not miss here as it’s their specialty. You will also love the coziness and ambiance of the restaurant.

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and I fell in love with the experience. I aim to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, taking pictures, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram .

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17 thoughts on “ DIY Travel Guide to Ilocos Norte, Philippines [With Suggested Tours] ”

Hi admin! May I please ask permission to post?

I just want to share our ilocos experience with the hopes of helping out the locals who helped us make our trip memorable.

Our DAY1 started in Vigan, and there we met KUYA ALLAN, a tricycle driver, who helped us plan our 3-day Ilocos trip. He is very accomodating and very knowledgable of Ilocos. And he charges the minimum amount so please don’t haggle na po.

Pls do call or text him at 09363925413 and tell him GAB says hi.

I can really vouch for him so if you have questions, you can reach me on instagram @gaaaaaaaaabrielle (That’s 9 As) I’d be willing to answer.

Big thanks for this! It is very helpful since we don’t really know where to go. ?

Love your post. Very helpful. Plan to go to Ilocos on my birthday this January ?

very helpfull site

Pano makapunta sa ilocos simula po sa bulacan?

Hi Ms. Darlene!thank you for this blog,will surely use it as our guide for our incoming trip.By the way,ask lang po if possible in a 1 day na ma tour yung north and south in pagudpud? Have this plan not to stay for a night in pagudpud,can we go back in laoag after?

hi! are there any shops where we can freshen up before we start our tour?

Thanks!!! very helpful indeed!!!

Hi! This is very helpful, thanks for sharing!

Thanks for the review! 🙂 it is realistic and very inviting for us to try this trip! mukhang exciting! 🙂

Encouraging experience to go on a trip. I must say realistic too. Thanks for sharing these informations.

Thank you so much for this wonderful blog. I got a lot of ideas and info, me, my brother and cousins are planning to visit Ilocos ever since. My Mom and Dad already visited ilocos , 2 years ago. we’ll be going to Manila this coming July 2016, surely we will go to Ilocos 🙂 So happy of this info. keep it up !!!! I hope I can see more of your blogs. thank you again and God bless.

Sorry for the wrong grammar or Spelling =)

YAY Thanks Angela for reading!! More DIY Travel Guides here – https://twomonkeystravelgroup.com/diy-travel-guide-series/

Thanks Dada for your tour guide to Ilocos Norte. Malaking tulong po ito,.

Never buy a Coffee from Airpot or bus stations, it costs PHP120 = $2.70, that is one of my budget mistake. And the same coffee cup, you can get from the street shop at only PHP5=$0.11.

Very good. What about language differences ? How do you inquire, bargain, if you don’t speak the lingo, much more volunteer? Would you appreciate and enjoy it better if you have tour guide? Chances are if you don’t speak their language you’ll end up in a trial and error and spend more.

Beautiful church. the scenery is ruined by those wind turbines (Windmills is something else)

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Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel

Guest Reviews

Services & amenities.

Suite with Sea View

Presidential Suite

Sunset Suite

Deluxe Room

Ambassador Suite

Mayor Suite

Governor Suite

Standard Room

Guest reviews (44).

• Cleanliness 3.9
• Amenities 3.8
• Location 3.9
• Service 3.9

Property Policies

Front desk hours: 24/7

Property Description

• Opened: 1981
• Number of Rooms: 290

Frequently Asked Questions

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We all are travelers. The world is our journey! Life, our hourglass. On the road we chance upon people who would walk with us side by side, hand in hand for a while. Some stays, others would go separate ways, and then life goes on like a never-ending cycle of hi's and goodbyes. What remains are the memories and the lessons learned. This is my JOURNEY chronicled.

Monday, January 13, 2014

The trip to ilocandia (a detailed account).

2 comments:

Hi June, the tour you had in Pagudpud ang Laoag, whats your means of transportation? How many are you travelling? Are there tour package availableon site? Meaning in Laoag and Pagudpud? Thanks in anticipation

hi! is this a very late reply? hope not. Anyway, the whole time we were touring Ilocos we hired a trike (no aircon ;) ). There were just 3 of us. There are tour packages you can find online. I'm not sure if it's worth it though. I always go for Do it yourself travel, I think it's cheaper if you do it by group and the research part fuels the anticipation too. thanks for dropping by!

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Philippine Travel Advisory

ILOCANDIA CULINARY TOUR

Homegrown cuisine in the most historic setting! The cooking comes as exclusively as Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte’s majestic historic villages and heritage churches. Learn to cook the freshest ingredients flavored by the Ilocano’s penchant for sauces and simple natural cooking .

Candon City, Ilocos Sur : Discovering a Road Less Traveled

Are you planning on a solo backpacking trip to Ilocandia and looking for a place to make a side trip before heading back home? Why not go try going to Candon City in Ilocos Sur? Traveling is much exciting when you trek the road less traveled, so to speak.

Located in the lower central part of Ilocos Sur , its boundaries include Santa Lucia, Salcedo, Galimuyod, San Emilio, Santiago, Banayoyo and South China Sea.

Aside from being famous as the producer of the world’s biggest calamay (kalamay), a delicacy made of sticky rice, sugar and coconut milk, this city is also referred to as the heartland and gateway to Ilocandia and the Cordilleras.

A Bit of Candon City History

It is said that Malayan settlers were the first residents of the city who made a living by fishing, farming and forestry. The name “Candon” apparently came from the name of a gargantuan tree found at the center of the village and was called “Kandong” by the villagers.

When the Spaniards came, the tree was cut down and used in the construction of the first church in the area which also led to the conversion of the people to Christianity. After 50 years of Spanish ruling, a local hero, Isabelo Abaya, spearheaded a revolution which lasted for three days. In March 1898, the conquerors were overthrown and the town of Candon was founded. The acacia trees and the tall trees reaching up to 15 meters high along the national highway of the Poblacion are manifestations of how the city survived the challenges it had faced throughout the years.

Places and Events

Don’t forget to visit Saint John de Sahagun Parish Church, locally called Candon church, and get in awe of its architecture and colorful interior. The murals and stained-glass windows add to the beauty inside. It is located in the heart of the city and during the Christmas season, a tall Christmas tree stands across it.

Tourists and locals are treated to several festivities and events such as the annual Feria de Candon. If you happen to be there during the holiday season, you will see the big acacia trees in the municipal hall and the town plaza adorned with colorful lights as well.

Perhaps you can also be there during the annual Fiesta ti Bantay (Feast of the Forest). There are already around 10,000 trees planted on the 132-hectare land owned by the government at the mountains of Palacapac and San Andres.

However, you might want to put off traveling in August as this is the month when it usually rains while January is the coldest month and dry season is from October to May.

Getting There

You have three options to reach Candon City:

• A bus ride from Manila via one of these four bus lines, Partas, Santa Lucia Express and Martinez Trans, Dominion Bus Lines and Candon Bus Line.
• A long drive of approximately nine hours is also a great way to treat yourself with the sights and stopovers en route Ilocos Sur. If you choose to drive, you might as well make a pit stop in Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and just 60 kms away from Candon City.
• By plane from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to San Fernando Airport in La Union and travel by land to your destination.

Candon City might not be as well-known as Vigan but it is a beauty of its own, a promising tourist destination worth checking out.

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Visit Ilocandia

Travel Guide to Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan

Category: Food Trip

Top 10 ilocano foods you must try (and how to cook it).

By admin on April 2, 2020

Every travel experience is more pleasurable with an unforgettable food trip. Whether you’re traveling in the Philippines or out of the country, every place has something special to offer. When you’re in Ilocandia, it is of course given that you must try some Ilocano dish. But what if you crave for it eventually when you get home or when you’re… Continue reading "Top 10 Ilocano Foods You Must Try (and how to cook it)"

Vigan Food Trip: List of Food Outlets and Restaurants

By admin on March 10, 2013

Ilocano Food will surely satisfy your gastronomic cravings! A lot of travelers do a bit of restaurant-hopping after a day of touring. Here’s a list of Vigan Food Outlets and Restaurants with their corresponding location and contact details: Arceli’s Breadhaus and Snack Inn Florentino St./ Tel #. 722-2872 Café Leona Crisologo St. / Tel # 722-2212 Chowking Burgos St./ Tel… Continue reading "Vigan Food Trip: List of Food Outlets and Restaurants"

Ilocano Food Trip: Bagnet

By admin on August 22, 2012