Vigan and Laoag capture the timeless charm of the Philippines’ Spanish colonial past, where cobblestone streets, ancestral houses, and centuries-old churches tell stories of a bygone era. These twin destinations in the Ilocos Region combine culture, history, and adventure — from walking along Calle Crisologo in Vigan to exploring the sand dunes and coastal sights of Laoag.
Quick Facts:
- Region: Ilocos Region (Ilocos Sur & Ilocos Norte)
- Best Time to Visit: November to April (cool and dry season)
- How to Get There: Fly to Laoag International Airport or take an 8–10 hour bus ride from Manila
- Ideal Stay: 3–5 days
- Notable For: Heritage streets, ancestral homes, and UNESCO World Heritage architecture
Summary
- Cultural heart of Northern Philippines with well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture
- Ideal for heritage walks, food trips, and photography
- Great for combining history and adventure in one trip
- Accessible by plane or bus from Manila
- UNESCO-recognized for its cultural importance
Top Attractions:
- Calle Crisologo (Vigan) – Iconic cobblestone street with preserved Spanish houses.
- St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral - Also known as Vigan Cathedral, at the heart of the town plaza.
- Bantay Bell Tower - Offers panoramic views of Vigan.
- Paoay Church (Laoag) - UNESCO-listed Baroque church known for its massive buttresses.
- La Paz Sand Dunes - Try sandboarding or a 4x4 adventure.
- Malacañang of the North - Former presidential residence overlooking Paoay Lake.
- Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (Burgos) - Historic lighthouse guiding ships since the Spanish period.
How to Get There:
- Fly directly to Laoag International Airport, then take a 2-hour scenic drive to Vigan.
- Alternatively, take a Partas or Farinas bus from Manila (8–10 hours).
- Locally, jeepneys and tricycles are the best way to move around town.
Best Time to Visit:
The dry season from November to April is ideal — sunny, cool mornings for walking tours and evening plaza strolls. Avoid the monsoon months (June–September) when travel routes can flood.
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Luna (Vigan) – Boutique hotel showcasing art and history.
- Paradores de Vigan – Modern comfort with Spanish-style interiors.
- Java Hotel (Laoag) – A fusion of Filipino and Balinese design, ideal for families.
- Balay da Blas (Laoag) – Homey bed and breakfast known for its local Ilocano charm.
Where to eat:
- Café Leona – A Vigan classic for longganisa, empanada, and bagnet.
- Hidden Garden Restaurant – Tropical-themed restaurant serving Ilocano favorites.
- Saramsam Ylocano Restaurant (Laoag) – Try their signature Ilocano pizza.
- Johnny Moon Café – Quirky café celebrating the art of Juan Luna.
Tips & Local Hacks:
- Bring comfortable walking shoes — the cobblestone streets can be uneven.
- Try Vigan longganisa and bagnet as edible souvenirs.
- Visit early morning or sunset for fewer crowds and golden lighting for photos.
- Combine Vigan and Laoag in one trip — they’re only about two hours apart.
5-Day Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1: Travel from Manila to Laoag – check in and explore city landmarks.
- Day 2: Visit Paoay Church, Malacañang of the North, and La Paz Sand Dunes adventure.
- Day 3: Drive to Vigan – heritage walk at Calle Crisologo and Plaza Burgos food crawl.
- Day 4: Explore Bantay Bell Tower, Vigan Cathedral, and local museums.
- Day 5: Souvenir shopping, relax at a café, then travel back to Manila.