Best Places to Go Visit Ilocos Norte and Sur – Tour Vigan, Pagudpud, Windmills and more

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

best places to visit ilocos norte and ilocos sur

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

malacanan ti amianan

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

best places to visit ilocos

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!

Fehl is the founder of Philpad. She has a degree in Accountancy and a background in Finance. She is a licensed Career Service Professional and author of a poetry book at Barnes & Noble. In her spare time, she likes to travel and vlog.

35 thoughts on “Best Places to Go Visit Ilocos Norte and Sur – Tour Vigan, Pagudpud, Windmills and more”

  1. 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!!!

    Reply
  2. 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!

    Reply
  3. 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

    Reply
  4. 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…

    Reply
    • 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!

      Reply
  5. 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

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  6. 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..

    Reply
  7. 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?

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  8. 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?

    Reply
  9. 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.

    Reply
    • 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!

      Reply
  10. 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.

    Reply
    • 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

      Reply
      • 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..

        Reply
      • 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.

        Reply
        • 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

          Reply
          • 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! 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.

        Reply

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