Top 10 wonderful places in Ilocos Region to enjoy a summer road trip

If you plan to travel for the summer somewhere in the north, the Ilocos Region would be the best place to be. Ilocos has plenty of breathtaking places that you and your family, friends would enjoy. For tourist, locals, and foreigners alike, Ilocos offers many exciting popular destinations.

Here are some of the places that we at Philkotse.com have rounded up, based on the positive reviews that we have gathered, that we don’t want you to leave the place without visiting.

1. Vigan, Calle Crisologo

Walking along the beautiful street of Calle Crisologo, you feel the reflection of the places’ cultural and historical heritage. You can still enjoy riding the calesa and eat empanada in the plaza. The site has maintained its beauty with its preserved architectural structure.

Aside from that, there are also plenty of souvenir shops around the area and restaurants. The best time to visit the place is early in the morning when shops are still starting to open. 

As a tourist, you should not miss out the nightlife and fabulous restaurants that offer a variety of amazing Ilocano cuisines that set you on a gastronomic adventure.

Crisologo is one of the most popular spots in Vigan

2. Baluarte

Don’t leave Vigan without visiting Baluarte. If you happen to be an animal lover, this is your place in Vigan. See the animals up close and personal. One can also see them perform, like a boar painting on paper canvas and more.

They also have a Butterfly Garden and Statue of Dinosaurs. The place is owned by Mr. Chavit Singson, an animal lover himself. The admission is free if you would like to visit the place.

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3. Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Pagudpud is a coastal town in Ilocos, with its captivating beaches and enticing coastlines. When in Ilocos, this is a must see and enjoy the magnetic white sand beaches.

Do not forget to have a quick stopover at the Patapat viaduct

Pagudpud is one of the destinations that people are talking about when going to Ilocos. Located in the northwestern part of the island of Luzon that is adored by tourist and locals because of its white beaches and several attractions in the area.

The quiet town on Pagudpod is around 70 kilometers or a 2-hour drive from Laoag City. Tourists are in awe of the beaches and the fantastic rock formations.

4. Saud Beach

This gorgeous beach and its crystal clear water would naturally attract you. The beach itself is really beautiful and peaceful. Come explore Saud early in the morning, at around 5 am, and you can buy freshly caught fish sold at a meager price.

Saud Beach is gorgeous with its crystal clear water

>>> Check out for useful tips when going on a road trip towards the Northern Philippines

5. Bangui Windmills

While in Saud Beach, you can also visit the Bangui Windmills Farm, around 25mins travel time from Saud Beach. The farm is initially not built for tourism purposes. However, the artistic design has been attracting tourist. The vast windmills near the beach are simply breathtaking.

Also, there are several souvenir shops in the area selling miniature windmills and restaurants where you can try the famous Bagnet. You also take your photos and selfies as the view is simply breathtaking. Imagine these powerful windmills provide power and electricity to the whole of the Ilocos Region.

You will be surprised by how huge the windmills are in real life. The drive from Manila to Ilocos may be exhausting, but the views are worth your time and effort. It is best to come and visit the windmills at around 4 pm when it is not too hot to bask under the sun.

These powerful windmills provide power and electricity to the whole of the Ilocos Region

6. Bantay Bell Tower

This iconic symbol serves as Vigan’s watchtower before being a bell tower. It is located in Bantay, Ilocos Sur and around 10mins drive from Vigan. It has looked over both towns, Vigan and Bantay for centuries.

The historical structure is also near the Bantay Church, where you can also visit. You can also see the fantastic view of Vigan upon reaching the top of the tower. You can take your selfie moments, and picture taking is allowed.

Taking pictures is allowed at Bantay Bell Tower

7. Dos Hermanos Islands

One of the tourist spots that you can visit in Ilocos is the Dos Hermanos Islands. You can wade in its beautiful water during the low tide. There are spots for snorkeling and paddle boarding as well.

If you are the adventurist type of person, you can enjoy trekking the island during the low tide as you can see the coral bed during this time. This is the place to explore for people who love to wade or dive in the waters inhabited by corals. It’s worth it visiting the island.

If you are into water adventure and island hopping the Dos Hermanos group of islands should be included in your bucket list

8. Bantay Abot Cave

This is a place where you can find a magnificent rock formation in the region. Bantay Abot is not really a cave but a hill with a hole in the middle. You can also see the blue waters of the blue lagoon.

The sea view is just amazing, and of course, you take photos and take a cute selfie. If you cannot wade in the waters, you can simply take a quick glimpse of the rock formation.

What a magnificent rock formation!

9. Kabigan Falls

If you are in Pagudpud, you can visit this one of the tourist spots in Ilocos Norte, the Kabigan Falls. You will have two options to reach this beautiful destination. You can hike or rent a car to take you to Kaibigan. When hiking, you will have a view of the rice fields and hills. The Kabigan falls is located in Balaoi, Pagudpod.

Aside from the spectacular beach you can take a side trip Kabigan Falls and be up close and personal with mother nature

10. Sinking Bell Tower/Laoag Cathedral/St. Williams Cathedral

Another famous place to visit when in Ilocos is the Sinking Bell Tower near the Laoag Cathedral. As a Catholic, every time we go out of town, it is a must that we visit one or two churches.

The Laoag Cathedral is the famous benchmark of Ilocos. It’s worth the visit to learn the story behind it. It is also near the St Williams Cathedral so you can visit both.

As a Catholic, it is a must to visit Sinking Bell Tower

Before heading to a road trip make sure to have a good preparation for a long journey in your car to avoid breaking down in the middle of the national highway. Prepare the things that you will need in advance to ensure a smooth sailing summer vacation with family or friends.