If you love traveling a lot, don’t miss visiting Ilocos coz it is one of the most beautiful and historic places in the Philippines. In this page, I am sharing the best places and tourist spots to visit in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.
Last summer, we went to Ilocos and it was so amazing. I was thrilled to see the famous Bangui Windmills, Paoay Church, the momentous streets of Vigan and one of the best beaches of the Philippines – Pagudpud. I was so surprised to see the notable Mausoleum of ex-president Ferdinand Marcos where he lies peacefully – in still complete form.
Best foods and restaurants in Ilocos
One of the best things about traveling is the food. Ilocano cuisine is simply one of the best (next to Pampanga’s I must say). Try their famous bagnet and you’ll never forget it. Also try their special empanada and biscocho. Try dining at La Preciosa in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, it’s one of the best.
When is the best time to go and visit Ilocos?
I would like to say from January to August. It’s fine to visit Ilocos any time of the year but the months of September, October and November are usually prone to typhoons and rains. I’d say, always check the weather forecast.
Best Places to Visit Ilocos
And now, for the hottest tourist spots and famous landmarks in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur:
Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel
We started our first day and morning in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, visiting Fort Ilocandia, a very classy hotel and leisure park. Seeing all the hotel’s interiors and gardens gives a Spanish ambiance. You might wanna know who checked in there. Elite and notable people like Imelda Marcos and some leaders of wealthy countries.
Malacanang of the North
Also known as Malacanan Ti Amianan in Ilocano language. This mansion used to be the official residence of ex-Prseident Ferdinand Marcos in Ilocos. You will see a fantastic view of Paoay Lake at the veranda at the back.
Paoay Lake
Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Who can miss the famous streets of Vigan? The kalesas, cobblestone streets, and European architecture of houses bring so much of history.
Paoay Church
Also called St. Augustine Church. You’ve got one free wish if it’s the first time you visit a church as they say. But to me, that day was not enough to thank the Lord of my blessings…which includes seeing that old and amazing St. Augustine church of Paoay. I felt like I couldn’t ask for more.
Bangui Windmills
Yay! One of those proofs why it’s more fun in the Philippines. Seeing the Bangui Windmills is breathtaking! Can you count one to twenty…
Pagudpud Beach
I am a beach lover so I cannot miss walking in the fine white sands of Pagudpud and swimming at the pristine blue waters. We checked in at that hotel and resort in front of the beach. I was amazed how cheap and luxurious life could be. I wished we stayed another day or two in Pagudpud.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
One word for this…fascinating! Read more and see more of Kapurpurawan Rock Formation here.
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
This place is enchanting in a good way. I think a popular tv show, Walang Hanggan (starring Coco Martin and Julia Montes) had some scenes here.
Patapat Viaduct
This highway is also one of the most-photographed places in Ilocos.
Lapaz Sand Dunes
Don’t you love the adrenaline rush of riding 4X4 on a breathtaking view of desert and sand dunes and the sea? Well, Ilocos has it all. Read more about my Sand Dunes, Sandboarding and ATV Adventure here.
Baluarte
Yeah we went here, too. Lots of cute animals, wild and rare ones too.
Bantay Church and Bell Tower
I got so weak in the knees climbing up the stairs of this old bell tower but it was worth it.
Jar Making
Have you tried making your own jar or pot? Well you must. This reminds me of that romantic movie, “Ghost.”
Best Tourist spots to visit Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur
- Marcos Mausoleum at Batac, Ilocos Norte
- Juan Luna Shrine
- Burgos Museum
- Crisologo Museum
- Hidden Garden
- Syquia Mansion
- Heritage Village
- St. Paul Metropolitan Church in Vigan, Ilocos Sur
- St. William Cathedral
- Sinking Bell Tower
- Sta. Monica Church and Museo Diocesano
- Burgos Outback Palpalokada
- Agua Grande
- Paraiso ni Anton
- Blue Lagoon
- Bantay Abot
- Bangui View Deck
- Kabigan Falls
- Timmantang Rock
- Dos Hermanos Island
That’s a wrap! Hope you loved the tour guys. See you there someday!
Hi Sir. visit Dinosaurs Island Ilocos, new attraction in san vicente ilocos sur only ten minutes from Vigan City. It is the first animatronics theme park featuring life size roaring dinosaurs. Other attractions includes 7D Extreme Cinema and Happy Ride Train. See you!!!
Are you still ilocos tour august 2017
Hi!
How much is the tour package including the accommodation?
How many days would it take for us to tour the tourist spots in Ilocos Norte and Sur if our travel date would be Oct 18-23? Would this include Vigan?
Thanks!
Hello, just want to ask if December is a good month to visit, enjoy the beach and sand dunes as well?
Thank you..
Just go from Feb-May. Weather is upredictable during December and the beaches are wavy
Hi pls give me an idea where to go or sugest a tour for 2 dsys only we want vigan.n.pagudpud beach
We would like to visit Vigan (2nd week of April) kindly email me for a package of at least 20 person (including 3 kids) thanks
Hi may i ask if sand dunes has age limit? My three year old saw the ride and she wants to try it.
hi,
i am planning to take my family (all boys with the youngest being 18 years old) in Pagudpud the first week of January 2016 for 3 nights/4 days. my questions are (1) is january really the best time to visit and enjoy the beach as well? (2) which among the spots you mentioned above can be bunch together for us to visit on our first day? on our second day? considering that we will be staying at Ubasa or Cathy’s Homestay in Pagudpud? and (3) do we have to relocate and spend overnite in Vigan to visit “Kalye Crisologo” which they said is magnificent at night? thanks for the feedback and keep writing…
Hi. January is a fine month because the weather is fine although cold but tolerable. You can visit Cape Bojeador Lighhouse, The Windmills, The Rock Formation, going to Pagudpud on your first day. Pagudpud is in Ilocos Norte, Vigan is in Ilocos Sur yes, you need to travel to Vigan and I think it takes 3 hours from Pagudpud to Vigan. Kalye Crisologo is especially magnificent at night because of the “spirit” you’d feel as if you’re in a different place in a different time. Thanks for visiting! Enjoy your trip!
Hi. I find this site helpful. Makes me more eager to take my family in this place. Can you suggest a place to stay for a big group? Like 10 adults and 5 children?! thanks
Hi, Imee. Some tour packages offer cool and affordable accommodation for group of people (hotel and tour service included already). Since you will tour around Ilocos Norte and Sur, you’ll stay on different hotels everyday depending on your schedule.
PLEASE QUOTE
3 FAX
PACKAGE
ROUDTRIP]
2 DAYS
1 NIGHT
THANKS
GIAN
hi!! thank you for choosing Ilocos Norte,Vigan City and many more here in our province…True, Ilocos Norte is a beautiful place where we can relax and enjoy.Vigan City is also a place where we can see old churches,old houses and a place where we can enjoy our vacation.I`m very thankful to the supporters of Vigan City…I am also a supporter of Vigan City..
My pleasure to share here the wonderful places of Ilocos. 🙂
hello! how much will i spend for that 3 days vacation? is it ok if im alone? or u hav a minimum no.of visitor?
Some agencies allow that. Just find one to assist you with this matter. In my estimate, you will spend around 10,000 all in including airfare and hotel and land service and extra pocket money.
hi, good pm. how much do i need to prepare for the trip if i leave in manila by friday and go back by sunday? i want to go to pagudpod wind mills and more tourist spots in vigan and ilocos sur?
do you have sched for May 8, 9 and 10?
How much do we spent for this trip? can u provide the breakdown of our expenses for 3 persons 1 adult and 2 kids..this is our first travel i want my kids to enjoy..we are not in to some five star hotel at least 3 star and comfortable one will do ..plus a tour guide to all the tourist spot in ilocos..thanks.
I really thank you for sharing your ilocos trip.
My pleasure 🙂 Enjoy your trip!
hi! id like to know what beach front hotel did u stay in at pagudpud beach? thanks.
It was Evangeline Beach Resort 🙂 Ha happy days… I missed Pagudpud but it’s cool to see other beaches and places i didn’t visit yet 🙂 Happy New Year!
Sorry, just to add, i am also planning to go visit the Cafe Bojeador lighthouse.
Hi,
i would appreciate it a lot if you can help.guide me with my plan for just a day trip to ilocos. I’ll be coming from lingayen pangasinan and we’ll have a van rented. Our departure time is around 8-9 pm of may 9 going to ilocos so we are expecting to arrive around 4-5 am the following day.
Id like to know what are the major sites to visit. Below is my itinerary
Vigan
Fort Ilocandia
malacanang, paoay lake
Ilocos Sur (all southbound)
bangui windmills
kapurpuran rock formation
lapaz sand dunes
bantay church and well tower
North bound
pagudpud beach (blue lagoon)
patpat viaduct
We dont plan to stay for long due to time constraint so i am hoping that we can maximize the trip. Can you give me tips on what to do and where to go first and last stop before we go home?
thanks a lot. hoping to hear from you soon.
can you share your schedule from Day 1 to Day 3? Ilocos trip… thanks 🙂
Hi Hector! Sure here is our itinerary for a 3-Day Ilocos Norte and IlocOs Sur Tour:
Day 1: Laoag – Vigan
Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel
Malacanan Ti Amianan (Paoay)
Paoay Lake
St. Augustine Church (Paoay Church)
Marcos Mauseleum (Batac)
Marcos Museum
Juan Luna Shrine
Vigan Loam Viewing
Baluarte
Burgos Museum (Vigan)
Bantay Church and Bell Tower
Crisologo Museum
Jar Making
Hidden Garden
Syquia Mansion
Heritage Village
St. Paul Metropolitan (Vigan Church)
Day 2: Laoag – Pagudpud (Southbound)
Lapaz Sand Dunes (5am)
Museo Ilocos
Saint William Cathedral
Sinking Bell Tower
Sta. Monica Church and Museo Diocesano
Marcos Museum (Sarrat)
Pasuquin Biscocho and Salt Making
Cafe Bojeador Light House (Burgos)
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Bangui Windmills
Day 3: Pagudpud Beach (Northbound)
Kabigan Falls
Patpat Via Duct
Agua Grande
Paraiso ni Anton
Timmantang Rock
Bantay Abot
Blue Lagoon
Dos Hermanos Island
Bangui View Deck
How much do you spent for this trip? can u provide the breakdown of ur expenses? the itinerary that uv posted is full of fun and adventure. we’ll spend our 5th anniv in ilocos on jan. 25-28, 2014. your reply will be much of help. Thank u..
how much for this trip?
Hi! just want to ask if yung mga itinerary na pinost mu lahat ehh napuntahan mo in 3 days lng?
very much appreciated if you reply..
planning to go there po.
Thank you.
We had visited everything in 3 days that is listed there except Blue Lagoon, Kabigan Falls, Timmantang Rock and Dos Hermanos Island. Our accom. was 4N4D. We arrived at the first hotel at dinner then started everything the next day early in the morning
hi Fehl,
i will visit Ilocos next week. I’ve already booked a hotel, my plan is 1 day in Vigan and 2 days in Laoag. i want to take a tour, how much will it cost me? please reply. Thank you
Hi, it cost me 3200 all in for hotel accom. and tour but we were on group
Hi! We’re planning to have our Ilocos Trip this coming Dec 27-30. Can you please give us a quote for our 4-day stay. We have our own car already , we only meed a tourist guide who will accompany us to different places of ilocos. Thank you.