Ilocos
A sunny northwest coast of Spanish-era towns, coral-stone churches, sand dunes and wind turbines, made for a road trip.
Quick answer
- What it is: the northwest coast of Luzon, covering Ilocos Sur (Vigan) and Ilocos Norte (Laoag, Paoay and Pagudpud).
- Highlights: Vigan's heritage streets, the UNESCO-listed Paoay Church, the Paoay sand dunes, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, the Bangui windmills and Pagudpud's beaches.
- Getting there: fly to Laoag, or take an overnight bus from Manila to Vigan or Laoag.
- How long: four or five days for Vigan, Laoag and the far north.
- Best time: November to April, the dry season.
Ilocos is the long northwest coast of Luzon, facing the West Philippine Sea. It is drier and sunnier than much of the country, and it rewards a road trip: start among the Spanish-era mansions of Vigan, drive north past coral-stone churches and sand dunes to Laoag, and finish at the wind turbines and empty beaches of Bangui and Pagudpud.
The region covers two provinces: Ilocos Sur, with Vigan, and Ilocos Norte, with Laoag, Paoay, Burgos and Pagudpud.
Top things to do
- Walk Calle Crisologo in Vigan at dusk, when the lamps come on. See our Vigan guide.
- See Paoay Church, the most dramatic of the UNESCO Baroque churches. See our Baroque churches guide.
- Ride a 4x4 or sandboard on the Paoay sand dunes.
- Climb up to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and see the white rock formations of Kapurpurawan in Burgos.
- Stand among the Bangui windmills and drive the Patapat Viaduct. See our Pagudpud and Bangui guide.
- Eat empanada in Batac or Vigan, fried to order.
Areas to know
| Area | Why go |
|---|---|
| Vigan | UNESCO-listed heritage town, food and pottery |
| Laoag and Paoay | The airport, Paoay Church, sand dunes and Paoay Lake |
| Burgos and Bangui | Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Kapurpurawan and the windmills |
| Pagudpud | Long beaches, Patapat and the Blue Lagoon |
When to go
November to April is dry and sunny, and the best time for beaches and the dunes. March to May is very hot. From June to October, rain and typhoons can hit the coast. See our guide to the best time to visit.
Getting there and around
Laoag International Airport has flights from Manila. Overnight buses also run from Manila to Vigan (about 8 to 10 hours) and Laoag. Between towns, take regional buses, then tricycles or a day tour for the sights. Hiring a van with a driver for a day is the easiest way to see the far north. See our guide to getting around the Philippines.
Where to stay
Stay in a heritage house hotel in Vigan, in Laoag for the airport and Paoay, and in Pagudpud for the beaches.
What to eat
- Empanada, a crisp orange rice-flour pastry filled with egg, longganisa and green papaya
- Bagnet, deep-fried pork belly, with a sweet-sour vinegar dip
- Longganisa sausages, which differ from town to town
- Pinakbet, a stew of local vegetables with fermented fish paste
Day trips and next stops
From Vigan, head south to the La Union surf coast or inland to Baguio. See our La Union guide and our Baguio guide.
Fees, tour prices and bus schedules change. Check before you travel.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
How far is Vigan from Laoag?
Roughly 2 hours by bus or car, so the two pair easily on one trip.
What is Paoay Church famous for?
Its massive coral-stone and brick walls with huge buttresses. It is one of the four Baroque churches listed by UNESCO in 1993.
Is Pagudpud worth the trip?
Yes, for the long beaches, the windmills and the drive over the Patapat Viaduct. It is about 1.5 to 2 hours north of Laoag.
What food is Ilocos known for?
Vigan and Batac empanada, bagnet (crisp pork belly), longganisa sausages and pinakbet vegetable stew.
Can I do Ilocos without a car?
Yes. Buses link the main towns, and tricycles and day tours cover the sights in between.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
