Laoag

Laoag, the northernmost city in the Philippines, serves as Ilocos Norte’s capital and a starting point for exploring the region. Clear skies here give the city its nickname, "Sunshine City." You’ll find Spanish-era structures such as the Laoag Cathedral, built in the 1600s, and the Sinking Bell Tower, which tilts visibly due to its sandy foundation. Nearby, the La Paz Sand Dunes attract visitors who slide down steep slopes on sandboards. Direct flights from Manila or a bus ride through Luzon’s farmlands bring you here, where you can stay at modern hotels like Fort Ilocandia Resort or try local dishes such as crispy bagnet. The annual Pamulinawen Festival in February fills the streets with music and dancing.

How to Reach Laoag

Laoag International Airport has daily flights from Manila, Cebu, and Basco, along with seasonal routes from Taiwan and South Korea. After landing, take a tricycle or hotel shuttle to reach downtown in 15 minutes. Buses from Manila take 10-12 hours, passing through provinces like Tarlac and La Union; companies like Partas and Florida Transport run overnight trips. If you’re coming from Baguio or Tuguegarao, direct buses depart daily, traveling along mountain roads and coastal routes. From Clark International Airport, transfer to Dau Terminal in Pampanga to catch northbound buses.

When to Go

Visit between November and April for dry weather, which makes exploring sites like the Paoay Sand Dunes easier. March to June brings temperatures up to 35°C—pack light clothes and drink plenty of water. Cooler temperatures from November to February make walking through the city more comfortable, and you’ll see holiday decorations like lanterns in December. July to October has frequent rain and storms, but hotels often lower their rates. Time your trip for early February to join the Pamulinawen Festival, which includes parades and live performances.

Top Historical Spots

The Laoag Cathedral, finished in 1612, displays Italian Renaissance details, including a two-story front and a statue of St. William of Maleval. Next to it, the Sinking Bell Tower stands 85 meters tall and sinks about an inch each year into the soft ground. Museo Ilocos Norte occupies a former tobacco warehouse, with exhibits on Ilocano weaving tools, farming equipment, and traditional clothing. Walk across Gilbert Bridge, a steel structure over the Padsan River, to see vendors selling garlic and corn. Take a day trip to Batac’s Marcos Museum or visit the Baroque-style Paoay Church, recognized by UNESCO.

Exploring Nature and Nearby Areas

Head to the La Paz Sand Dunes, 15 minutes from downtown, to try sandboarding down steep slopes or riding in a 4x4 vehicle at sunrise. Saud Beach in Pagudpud, 90 minutes north, has soft white sand and water clear enough for swimming. Hike Mount Lammin in Sarrat, a 1,100-meter peak with views of Ilocos Norte’s farmlands and coast. In the evenings, stroll along the Padsan River Walk, where food stalls sell grilled empanada and skewered meats. Join a guided tour of Laoag’s central district to see old government buildings and family homes from the Spanish colonial period.

Where to Eat

Try bagnet, crispy fried pork belly served with tomatoes, fermented fish paste, and onions, at Herencia Café or La Preciosa. The latter also makes a pizza topped with okra, bitter melon, and shrimp paste. Near the cathedral, street vendors sell empanada filled with papaya, egg, and sausage, dipped in vinegar. Saramsam Ylocano Restaurant updates traditional dishes like dinuguan, a stew made with pork blood and rice cakes. For snacks, Ilocos Empanada Diner focuses on crispy versions of the namesake dish. End meals with tupig, a grilled rice cake wrapped in banana leaves, or buy sugarcane vinegar from the Laoag City Commercial Complex.

Where to Stay

Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel provides luxury stays with a golf course and casino spread across 30 hectares. Plaza del Norte Hotel & Convention Center, near the Laoag River, has mid-range rooms and event spaces. Budget options include People’s Inn, centrally located near the Sinking Bell Tower. Farm Side Hotel in San Nicolas offers quiet rooms surrounded by rice fields, a short drive from the city. Recent upgrades to the airport and new tourism initiatives, like school gardens teaching sustainable farming, reflect the city’s economic growth.

Helpful Advice

Most locals speak English or Filipino, but saying "Agyamanak" (thank you) in Ilocano can help you connect. Tricycles have set fares for short rides, and jeepneys run routes to towns like Batac or San Nicolas. Bring enough cash, as ATMs are scarce outside the city center. Check the weather bureau’s website for storm updates between July and October. Buy souvenirs like woven cloths, tobacco, or garlic dips at the Laoag City Commercial Complex. Look for workshops on bamboo crafts, which showcase local crafts worth exploring.