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There’s something magnetic about Ilocos Norte—the way the wind rushes through the sand dunes, how the waves crash fiercely on Pagudpud’s rugged shores, and how centuries-old churches still stand with pride. This province, nestled at the northern tip of Luzon, offers a raw, open-sky kind of beauty you won’t find elsewhere.
This guide is a mix of what I planned, what actually happened, and what I’d do again in a heartbeat. Whether you're into history, nature, or just chasing sunsets, Ilocos Norte has something for you.
We went from the city comforts of Laoag to the chill coastal vibe of Pagudpud. From getting goosebumps at the Bangui Windmills, to climbing up the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, and ending the trip with adobo by the beach—it was one for the books. 🙌
Related post:
✝️ Visita Iglesia in Ilocos (2025
Guide): 7 Historic Churches You Can Visit in One Day
📌 What’s Inside This Guide:
📍 Top Tourist Spots
🏨
Where I Stayed
🍴
Ilocano Food I Fell in Love With
🚗
How to Get Around Ilocos Norte
📅
Sample Itinerary + Tips
🛣️ Getting There: Road Trip Vibes or Quick Fly-In?
If you’re short on time, ✈️ flying is the most efficient way to reach Ilocos Norte. There are direct flights from Manila to Laoag, and it only takes about an hour in the air—super convenient if you want to spend more time exploring and less time sitting in traffic.
But if you’re the kind who enjoys scenic road trips, 🚗 driving up north is an adventure in itself.
👯When I visited, I went with a friend and her family—and she was the one driving the whole way! It was a classic Filipino barkadahan-style road trip filled with snacks, laughter, and spontaneous stopovers. We may have taken longer, but the road trip was part of the fun.
🚘 Road Trip Tips:
- 🧴 Bring snacks and water—gas station stops can be far apart in the province.
- 🎶 Prepare a playlist. Signal can get patchy, so offline music is your best friend.
- ⛽ Fuel up before leaving Laoag or Vigan if you're heading further north.
- 🛑 Stopover suggestions: try empanada in Batac or visit Paoay Church en route.
🚗 How to Get to Laoag,Ilocos Norte (and Pagudpud): A Complete Travel Guide
🇵🇭 How to Get to Pagudpud: Complete Bus and Jeepney Routes Guide
🛣️ How to Get Around Ilocos Norte: Transport Guide for Travelers
🏡 Where to Stayed in Ilocos Norte: From City Comforts to Coastal Calm
During my Ilocos Norte adventure, I stayed in two different places that perfectly matched each leg of the trip. The first was a practical base in Laoag City, and the second was a serene seaside stay in Pagudpud. Both offered what I needed: comfort, convenience, and a local vibe that made the trip even more memorable.
🏨 Northview Hotel –
Laoag City
📍
Airport Road, Laoag City
Perfect for those exploring the city, Northview Hotel gave me easy access to Laoag landmarks and local eats. It's simple, clean, and the staff were friendly. I arrived late in the evening and appreciated the quick check-in and spacious room.
✅ Tip: It’s near the
airport and accessible via tricycle. Great for a quick overnight if you're
heading to Paoay or Batac the next day.
[📖 Read More »]
🏖️ Kapuluan Vista
Resort – Pagudpud
📍
Sitio Baniaran, Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud
This was the highlight of my accommodations—peaceful, eco-friendly, and just a short walk to the stunning Blue Lagoon. The design was rustic yet modern, and I loved their focus on sustainability. Their in-house restaurant serves delicious local dishes and the garden views from my room were a bonus.
✅ Tip: Book in advance
during peak season. It’s a great place to unplug—no noisy crowds, just waves
and coconut trees.
[📖 Read More »]
✨ Whether you want to explore heritage towns or chill by the sea, there's a perfect stay in Ilocos Norte for you. Mix and match your accommodations to match your itinerary.
🛏️ Check these posts for the complete list of accommodations in Ilocos Norte:
🏨 Where to Stay in Ilocos
Norte (2025 Guide) – Top Hotels, Resorts & Budget Inns
🏨 Best Places to Stay in
Ilocos Norte: Hotels, Inns, & Resorts Guide
🏡 Top Places to Stay in
Pagudpud: Resorts, Hotels & Homestays with Contacts
🌟 My Must-See Spots in Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte is more than just a stop on a northern road trip—it’s a destination rich in history, dramatic landscapes, and uniquely Ilocano charm. On my visit, I was awed by how each site offered something different—from centuries-old churches and Spanish colonial architecture to wild coastal views and wind-swept deserts.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets in Pagudpud, exploring Marcos-era legacies, or getting a thrill ride at the sand dunes, Ilocos Norte will leave you feeling like you’ve traveled across time and terrain.
Here are some of the places that stood out most to me—some famous, others quietly tucked away. Each one has its own story to tell. Let’s take the scenic route, shall we? ⬇️
🗺️ Scroll through and click Read More » to explore each one!
1. ⛪ Paoay Church (San Agustin Church)
One of the most iconic churches in the Philippines, the
Paoay Church instantly impressed me with its massive buttresses and timeworn
charm. A UNESCO site worth every visit.
[📖 Read More »]
2. 🏜️ La Paz Sand Dunes
If you love thrill and scenery, this is your spot. We had a
blast riding the 4x4 across these desert-like landscapes—definitely a highlight
of our Ilocos trip!
[📖 Read More »]
3. 🌬️ Bangui Windmills
Seeing those towering turbines lined up along the coast felt
surreal. They’re not just scenic—they’re symbols of sustainable energy in the
region.
[📖 Read More »]
4. 🪨 Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
White limestone sculpted by wind and sea, this spot is a
natural masterpiece. It felt like stepping into a different world. Wear comfy
shoes—there’s a bit of a walk.
[📖 Read More »]
5. 🗼 Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
Perched on a hill with stunning coastal views, this
19th-century lighthouse gives you both history and panorama. The climb is worth
it!
[📖 Read More »]
6. 🏖️ Pagudpud Beaches
Dubbed the "Boracay of the North", Pagudpud's
powdery white sands and blue waters were a dream. Perfect for sunbathing or
just unwinding.
[📖 Read More »]
7. 🪦 Marcos Mausoleum
It’s a solemn yet intriguing stop—whatever your view on
history. Seeing the preserved remains was eerie but fascinating.
[📖 Read More »]
8. 🌉 Patapat Viaduct
One of the most photogenic roads in the Philippines! Driving
(or walking) along the curve with ocean on one side and mountain on the other
is pure joy.
[📖 Read More »]
9. ⛪ Batac Church (Immaculate Conception)
This centuries-old red-brick church in the heart of Batac is
peaceful and picturesque. It’s a great quick stop when exploring the city.
[📖 Read More »]
10. ⛪ Laoag Cathedral (St. William Cathedral)
Laoag’s main cathedral stands proudly with its baroque style
and historical roots. Don’t miss the massive bell tower just a short walk away!
[📖 Read More »]
11. 🌊 Paoay Lake
Right across the famous church is a peaceful lake with
folklore and stories. Ideal for quiet reflection or a picnic if you have time
to spare.
[📖 Read More »]
12. ⛪ Sta. Monica Parish Church (Sarrat Church)
Known as the widest brick church in Ilocos, this
lesser-known gem has a haunting beauty to it. Great for off-the-beaten-path
explorers.
[📖 Read More »]
13. 🔔 St. William Cathedral Bell Tower
You can’t miss this leaning bell tower—literally. It’s one
of Laoag’s most famous landmarks, and its tilt adds to the intrigue.
[📖 Read More »]
14. 🏛️ Malacañang of the North: Marcos Mansion with a View of Paoay Lake
Tucked away on a five-hectare property with a breathtaking
view of Paoay Lake, the Malacañang of the North is a striking reminder of the
extravagant lifestyle once lived by the Marcos family.
[📖 Read More »]
Also check these posts:
🌾 Top Tourist Attractionsin Ilocos Norte (2025 Travel Guide with Tips)
🔔 Top Things to Do in
Ilocos Norte (2025 Guide) – Attractions, Tips & Travel Checklist
🍴 Ilocano Food I Fell in Love With: Bold Flavors, Local Pride, and Comfort on a Plate
When I traveled through Ilocos, I didn’t just fall in love with the sights—I fell in love with the food. Every meal felt like a story told through salt, spice, and tradition. Ilocano cuisine is known for its simplicity, strong flavors, and clever use of local ingredients—and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s something the locals are so proud of.
From crispy bagnet to the deep, earthy richness of dinengdeng, to the chewy surprise of empanada with longganisa and egg inside, I found myself going back for seconds… and thirds.
Here are some of the dishes that stole my heart—and why they just might steal yours too.
- Bagnet – Crunchy, fatty, salty—heaven.
- Poqui-Poqui – Eggplant with eggs and tomatoes. Simple, flavorful, and vegetarian-friendly.
- Ilocos Empanada – Different from Vigan's version: more orange, more crispy, more everything!
- Dinardaraan – Ilocano take on dinuguan, but drier and more savory.
- Tupig – Sticky rice snack grilled in banana leaves. I bought a bunch for the bus ride home.
🗓️ 3-Day DIY Itinerary (Tried & Tested!)
Day 1 – Laoag & Paoay
- Arrive in Laoag
- Visit St. William’s Cathedral and Sinking Bell Tower
- Head to Paoay Church
- Try pinakbet pizza or local empanada
- Optional: Malacañang of the North + Paoay Lake
Day 2 – South to North Adventure
- Start early at La Paz Sand Dunes
- Visit Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
- Check out Bangui Windmills
- Trek to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
- End the day at Saud Beach in Pagudpud
Day 3 – Pagudpud Paradise
- Chill at Blue Lagoon or hike to Kabigan Falls
- Lunch with a view at Hannah’s Resort
- Head back to Laoag (or spend an extra night if you’re not in a rush!)
💡 How to Get Around Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte is wide and full of surprises—from the windmills of Bangui to the golden dunes of Paoay. So figuring out how to get around is key to enjoying your adventure without the stress.
We used a mix of transport options depending on the
destination, and here’s what worked best for us (and what could work for you
too).
[📖 Read More »]
💡 Tips From My Trip
- Travel light but bring sunscreen and shades—Ilocos heat can be intense.
- Rent a motorbike or hire a tricycle for local touring—it's fun and affordable.
- Pack snacks and water when exploring the coastal routes (few stores in remote spots).
- Take your time—some places deserve more than a photo stop.
💭 Ilocos Norte wasn’t just a trip—it was an experience that mixed thrill, chill, and cultural stillness. Whether I was windblown on a sand dune, beach-bumming in Pagudpud, or reflecting inside a centuries-old church, I felt a sense of peace and adventure all at once.
If you're looking to explore the north with freedom, good food, and gorgeous views, this DIY route through Ilocos Norte is 100% worth the ride.
🌿 Lakwatserang Ligaw Quote
✨ "Chasing open skies, quiet churches, and meals worth the long drive."💖
📢 Chasing wind and waves up north?
📌 Discover the best of Ilocos Norte with our DIY
guide—coastal beauty, historic sites, and epic adventures await. Let’s go
explore!👇
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