The Paoay Lake National Park, San Dunes Watchtower and a number of natural and man-made wonders never fail to catch the fascination of nature lovers.

Likewise, the 16th century churches, sinking bell tower, local handicrafts and native delicacies truly give tourists a glimpse of the rich culture and history of its people.

All these beautiful treasures are complemented with the smiles, warmth and hospitality of the Filipinos.

Secretary of Tourism, Ace Durano would like to invite you all to come and experience a destination that will take you to a refreshing and exciting dimension that is absolutely beyond the usual. Mabuhay!

Here are the important Telephone Numbers
Pjilippines Country Code: (63) GMT+8 hours
Department of Tourism (Region I): (072) 888-2411 / 888-2098
Laoag City Area Code: (077)
Office of the City Mayor: 772-1100 / 773-1788
Laoag City General Hospital: 772-0007
Viga City Area Code: (077)
Office of the City Mayor: 722-2466
Lahoz Clinic & Hopital: 722-2175

Dialing Tip: When dialing into the Philippines from abroad, omit the zero preceding the city area code.

Brief History
No other place in the Philippines can perhaps lay claim to being a haven of cultural heritage, than the twin provinces of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur whose vestiges of their rich history continue to stand proudly to this day.

Situated in the northernmost part of the mainland, ancient “Ylokos” was composed of the Ilocos Provinces, La Union, Abra, and portions of the Mountain Province. It already had a thriving precolonial civilization and traded with the Chinese and Japanese who imported fine jars, silk and crockery.

Formally established in 1574 by Spanish explorer Juan de Salcedo, Vigan, then known as Villa Fernandina, was the seat of the cultural, religious and political life of the province, giving rise to and affluent social class.

Over the years, the sprawling province was partitioned and its boundaries were redefined, leaving it with the present day Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. Vigan remained the capital of the latter, while Laoag City, the northern half.

Tourist Attractions
A sojourn to the Ilocandia is incomplete without walking down the cobblestone streets and rows of ancestral houses in Vigan City, aptly called “Heritage Village.” Built in varying Spanish-Mexican-Chines architectural styles, thick brick walls, tile roofs and red clay, the mansions stands side by side to each other as if frozen in time.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vigan has the highest concentration of preserved Spanish period homes built by the city’s middle class. Among the noteworthy ones are those of President Elpidion Quirino, governor Mena Crisologo, and martyred priest, Jose Burgos, which is now the National Museum providing visitors, a glimpse of the genteel lifestyle of Ilocanos.

A few miles away is the National Museum in Magsinal showcasing archaeological artifacts, relics, pottery and porcelain unearthed in Ilocos Sur.

As the northern cradle of Roman Catholicism, the region boasts the most postcard perfect baroque churches in the country. Ilocos Sur has eight pilgrimage churches composed of Sta. Lucia, the Vigan Metropolitan Cathedral, Sinait, Bantay, Vigan’s Simbaan A Bassit, and Sta. Maria, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ilocos Norte, on the other hand, takes pride in the Church of St. Augustine in Paoay, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the St. William’s Cathedral with its sinking bell tower in Laoag City. The region is replete with shrines of heroes; such as revolutionary leaders Father Gregorio Aglipay and General Artemio Ricarte in Batac, and the world renowned painter Juan Luna in Badoc.

Other historical sites are the Balay ti Amianan (House of the North) in Paoay and the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac which are associated with the late President Feerdinand Marcos.

Meanwhile, beach lovers can worship the sun to their hearts’ content in Saud Beach in Pagudpud, the most sought after hideaway in the Northern Philippines for its powdery white sand beaches and tranquil environs. The beach area has numerous resort hotels for those who want a front seat to the poetic sunset.

An if you can’t seem to get enough of beach-combing, the entire coastal stretch of Ilocos is yours for the taking.

Outdoor enthusiasts can trek the scenic mountains and retrace the historic site at Bessang Pass in Cervantes, where Filipino and American forces won key battles against the Japanese during World War II and at Tirad Pass where the young General Gregorio del Pilar, and his men made their last stand against superior America invaders in 1899.

While driving around, make a pit stop at the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, the tallest lighthouse in the country built 1892 an continues to serve as beacon to passing ships to this day.

Dining in Ilocos
Ilocano cuisine is among the most exotic regional fares, dating back to its early civilization.

Sin your teeth in signature vegetable dishes such as pinakbet and sinanglao, the Vigan longaniza (garlic flavored pork sausage), Bagnet (pan-fried pork meat) and Miki noodles. There are also equally tasty snacks and desserts such as chichacorn (corn bits), empanada, bibingka (oven baked sticky rice cake), tupig (sticky rice with young coconut in banana leaves), and artem, fruit cocktail in sukang Iloko.

For a dash of history, dine at Cafe Leona in Vigan, poetess Leona Florentino’s stone house, turned restaurant as well as sample the basi, the local sugar cane wine, which was the subject of revolt against Spain.

Shopping in Vigan, Ilocos
High quality hand woven inabel cloth, blankets, pillow cases and table cloth, burnay (clay jars), clay pots, antique statues and home accents, and tobacco cigars make for ideal gifts and souvenirs. Along the way, you will surely find local handicrafts and other curio items you can buy at giveaway prices.

For a quaint travel experience and interaction with the craftsmen, a visit to the places where they are produced is highly recommended. Enjoy your stay in Laoag and Vigan!