DIY Travel Guide to Ilocos Norte, Philippines [With Suggested Tours]
Do you want to travel to Ilocos Norte, Philippines? Here’s our DIY Travel Guide to Ilocos Norte, with suggested tours.
Part of the Ilocos Region in the Philippines is Ilocos Norte. It’s a province filled with gorgeous spots from human wonders like the Windmill to natural wonders like the Rock Formation. You will need at least two days to travel to essential spots. It’s great to pair this up with a trip to Ilocos Sur. Read our travel guide to Ilocos Norte to know what you need to do, where to stay, and where to eat.
- List of the Best Luxury Hotels in Ilocos, Philippines
- Letting Go in the Wonders of Ilocos (Philippines)
- Awesome Things To Do in Ilocandia, Philippines
- Travel Guide to Popular Cities in the Philippines – 25 Day Trips That You Can Do in the Philippines
- 10 Best Things To Do In Ilocos Sur, Philippines [With Sample 3 Day Itinerary]
Table of Contents
Things to do in Ilocos Norte, Philippines
1. See the Windmills
The first on our travel guide to Ilocos Norte is none other than the iconic Windmills. These enormous windmills are found all over Ilocos Norte, especially in Pagudpud. The most accessible ones are the 20 units along the Bangui Bay. Don’t forget to have to take a photo!
Suggested Tour: Pagudpud Full-Day Tour from Laoag City
2. Visit the Churches
As the Philippines is a Catholic country, you would see, many churches were built a few centuries ago. A few examples are Bacarra Church and Laoag Cathedral. However, the most famous in the region is the Paoay Church. It is a part of the “Earthquake Baroque Church in the Philippines,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Suggested Tour: Laoag and Vigan Full-Day Tour
3. Have a 4×4 adventure!
One of the most thrilling outdoor activities in the Philippines can be done in Ilocos Norte. Ride a 4×4 and go on an exciting adventure on the Paoay Sand Dunes. It’s really electrifying and unforgettable. Don’t forget to try sandboarding, too!
Suggested Tour: Paoay Sand Dunes
4. See the view from Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
A lighthouse made during the 1890s is the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. It’s located at the top of Vigia de Nagpartian Hill. Climb the stairs and see the view of the charming town of Burgos and Cape Bojeador. You should not miss this National Historic Landmark.
Suggested Tour: Pagudpud Full-Day Tour from Laoag City
5. Relax at the Blue Lagoon
With clear blue waters and white sand, the Blue Lagoon is dubbed as “Little Boracay of the North.” Many resorts are nearby, so it’s really a great place to spend a night at. Don’t forget to try their thrilling zip line towards the lagoon.
Where to stay in Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Budget Hotel
Palm Grove Saud Holiday Complex Hotel
The ambiance of Palm Grove Saud Holiday Complex Hotel is reflected in every guestroom. Television LCD/plasma screen, internet access – wireless, non-smoking rooms, and air conditioning are just some of the facilities found throughout the property. The hotel offers an excellent variety of recreational facilities, including a children’s playground, billiards, garden, karaoke. Whatever your purpose of visit, Palm Grove Saud Holiday Complex Hotel is an excellent choice for your stay in Pagudpud.
Price: Starts at USD 22 for a Standard Room
Mid-Range Hotel
Plaza Del Norte Hotel and Convention Center
An 11-minute walk from Fort Llocandia Golf Course, this functional hotel and convention center is 10 km from Paoay Church and 11 km from Laoag International Airport. The simple rooms and suites have cable TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and city or pool views. Suites add living areas and balconies.
Price: Starts at USD 66 for a Standard Room
Luxury Hotel
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This smoke-free resort features 3 restaurants, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. All 290 rooms provide conveniences like refrigerators and coffee makers, plus free WiFi and 24-hour room service. TVs, minibars, and free newspapers are among the other amenities available to guests. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations, slippers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.
Price: Starts at USD 90 per night for a Standard Room
Transportation Tip: If you’re looking for the cheapest way to book the Trains, Buses, Ferries, Transfers on this route, we use 12Go.Asia to compare the prices!
Where to Eat in Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Address: McArthur Street, Barangay 14, Sangladan, Paoay
If you want to eat Ilocano Food with a bit of a twist, go to Herencia Café. Their specialty is their Pinakbet Pizza, it’s not weird to have pinakbet on your Pizza, and it’s tasty! It’s located across Paoay Church, so you won’t miss it when you travel here.
Address: La Tabacalera Ilocano Lifestyle Center, Laoag
Johnny Moon Café might have a westernized name, but the dishes are Ilocano and Italian. It’s also near Ilocos Museum, so if you are hungry after your tour, drop by here. The foods are delicious, and the service is amazing.
Address: Hernando Avenue, Laoag
You should definitely try Ilocano food when you go to Ilocos. Cuisine De Iloco serves authentic Ilocano and Filipino Food. Ilocano Express, Poque-Poque, and Bagnet are highly recommended here. If you are up for souvenirs, they also serve delicacies.
Kapuluan Vista Resort Restaurant
Address: Sitio Baniaran, Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud
Located near the Blue Lagoon is the Kapuluan Vista Resort Restaurant. They serve delicious Filipino cuisine at a very affordable price. It’s the best place to eat in Pagudpud, so you should definitely stop by here.
Address: Rizal Avenue, Laoag
If you want delicious Ilocano Food with tasty deserts, go to La Preciosa. Their carrot-cake is something you should not miss here as it’s their specialty. You will also love the coziness and ambiance of the restaurant.
About the Writer
Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and I fell in love with the experience. I aim to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, taking pictures, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.
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Hi admin! May I please ask permission to post?
I just want to share our ilocos experience with the hopes of helping out the locals who helped us make our trip memorable.
Our DAY1 started in Vigan, and there we met KUYA ALLAN, a tricycle driver, who helped us plan our 3-day Ilocos trip. He is very accomodating and very knowledgable of Ilocos. And he charges the minimum amount so please don’t haggle na po.
Pls do call or text him at 09363925413 and tell him GAB says hi.
I can really vouch for him so if you have questions, you can reach me on instagram @gaaaaaaaaabrielle (That’s 9 As) I’d be willing to answer.
Big thanks for this! It is very helpful since we don’t really know where to go. ?
Love your post. Very helpful. Plan to go to Ilocos on my birthday this January ?
very helpfull site
Pano makapunta sa ilocos simula po sa bulacan?
Hi Ms. Darlene!thank you for this blog,will surely use it as our guide for our incoming trip.By the way,ask lang po if possible in a 1 day na ma tour yung north and south in pagudpud? Have this plan not to stay for a night in pagudpud,can we go back in laoag after?
hi! are there any shops where we can freshen up before we start our tour?
Thanks!!! very helpful indeed!!!
Hi! This is very helpful, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the review! 🙂 it is realistic and very inviting for us to try this trip! mukhang exciting! 🙂
Encouraging experience to go on a trip. I must say realistic too. Thanks for sharing these informations.
Thank you so much for this wonderful blog. I got a lot of ideas and info, me, my brother and cousins are planning to visit Ilocos ever since. My Mom and Dad already visited ilocos , 2 years ago. we’ll be going to Manila this coming July 2016, surely we will go to Ilocos 🙂 So happy of this info. keep it up !!!! I hope I can see more of your blogs. thank you again and God bless.
P.S
Sorry for the wrong grammar or Spelling =)
YAY Thanks Angela for reading!! More DIY Travel Guides here – https://twomonkeystravelgroup.com/diy-travel-guide-series/
Thanks Dada for your tour guide to Ilocos Norte. Malaking tulong po ito,.
Never buy a Coffee from Airpot or bus stations, it costs PHP120 = $2.70, that is one of my budget mistake. And the same coffee cup, you can get from the street shop at only PHP5=$0.11.
Very good. What about language differences ? How do you inquire, bargain, if you don’t speak the lingo, much more volunteer? Would you appreciate and enjoy it better if you have tour guide?
Chances are if you don’t speak their language you’ll end up in a trial and error and spend more.
Beautiful church. the scenery is ruined by those wind turbines (Windmills is something else)