Laoag Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, where to stay, what to do, and more in Laoag, Philippines with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Laoag

Laoag is the capital city of Ilocos Norte, located in the northern Philippines. It is a city rich in history with Spanish colonial structures and beautiful landscapes that showcase natural beauty.

With its preserved sites and modern infrastructure, Laoag has been a tourism hub for many years. It offers a great starting point for trips to nearby tourist destinations such as Pagudpud, Vigan and more.

List of Places to Visit in Laoag

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. St. William’s Cathedral - also known as Laoag Church, the 17th-century structure has played a significant role in the colonial history of the Philippines.

  2. Museo Ilocos Norte - displays various Ilocano artifacts, paintings, and sculptures to show the rich cultural heritage of Ilocanos.

  3. Sinking Bell Tower - a leaning bell tower that is a popular spot for visitors to take pictures with.

Natural Attractions of Laoag: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Paoay Sand Dunes - the beautiful sand dunes of Paoay offer a thrilling experience for those looking for some adventure. Try sandboarding, 4x4 off-roading, and ATV rides.

  2. Malacañang of the North - an archival museum that was once the official residence of the Marcos family. Set amidst a beautiful garden that overlooks Paoay lake, it is an excellent place to take in natural beauty while learning history.

  3. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation - is a natural wonder shaped by years of erosion. It showcases a mystical, unique landscape that should not be missed by anyone visiting Laoag.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Laoag

  1. Paoay Lake National Park Trail - an easy hiking trail where tourists can not only admire the lake’s beauty but also see rare species of birds.

  2. Bacarra Bike Trail - is a more challenging trail that features an off-road jungle terrain and a rocky coastline that presents an opportunity for visitors to reconnect with nature.

Best Things to Do in Laoag: Activities and Tours

  1. La Paz Sand Dunes Adventure - A fun-filled, thrilling sandboarding activity in the Paoay sand dunes.

  2. Ilocos Norte Food Tour - A food tour that will tickle your taste buds with the iconic dishes of Ilocos.

  3. Heritage Tour - Discover more of Ilocos’s rich history on a walking tour of historical sites, museums, and more.

Week-Long Itinerary for Laoag

Day 1 Arrival, Check-in, Paoay Sand Dunes Adventure
Day 2 La Paz Sand Boarding, Laoag Heritage Tour
Day 3 Paoay Lake National Park Trail, Malacañang of the North
Day 4 Bacarra Bike Trail, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Day 5 Relaxing day at Saud Beach or Pagudpud Beach
Day 6 Vigan City Tour
Day 7 Departure from Laoag

Food and Drink Scene of Laoag

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Bagnet - crispy fried pork belly, a Laoag specialty, and is served with a sour dipping sauce.

  2. Pinakbet - sautéed vegetables with garlic, onions, and bagoong(cooked shrimp paste).

  3. Empanada - a delicious, deep-fried pastry stuffed with green papaya, egg, and Vigan longganisa.

Local Beverages

  1. Basi - a wine made from fermented sugarcane juice. This wine is unique to the Ilocos region.

  2. Red Horse Beer - a local beer famous for its 7.2% alcohol content.

Where to Stay in Laoag: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Laoag has many accommodation options that range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, including:

  • Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel
  • Java Hotel
  • Isabel Suites
  • Balay da Blas Pension House

What to Buy in Laoag: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Abel Iloco - a popular souvenir of Ilocos that is a traditional hand-woven fabric made from the fibers of the pineapple or banana plant.

  2. Bagnet Chips - a tasty snack that uses the same crispy fried pork belly flavors often used in the preparing of bagnet dishes.

Local Culture and Customs of Laoag

The Ilocano culture centers on a strong family structure, resilience, and hard work ethics. Ilocanos speak Ilocano, but you can still comfortably converse in Tagalog, which is the national language of the Philippines.

Best Time to Visit Laoag

The ideal time to visit Laoag is during the dry season, from November to April, when the climate is cooler. It is also an excellent time for beach activities and outdoor sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of Laoag

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Use insect repellant, especially when going outdoors.

Don’t:

  • Litter or cause damage to the environment.
  • Disrespect elders and locals.
  • Wear revealing clothing in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Laoag

Laoag is a safe city and has low crime rates. However, it is still prudent to take basic safety precautions such as securing your belongings and staying alert when traveling alone at night.

Health in Laoag

While Laoag doesn’t pose significant health risks, visitors should avoid tap water and take appropriate precautions when consuming food and drinks from non-trusted sources. It is essential to have travel health insurance, in case medical attention is needed.

Getting to Laoag: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Laoag

  1. Laoag International Airport - is the primary airport that serves Laoag, with regular domestic flights from major cities in the Philippines.

Bus Stations Near Laoag

  1. Partas Bus Terminal - operates buses to and from Manila and other neighboring provinces and cities.

  2. Farinas Transit Terminal - also offers bus services that pass by most provinces in Northern Luzon.

Other Options

  1. Ride-hailing services - such as Grab, offer convenient travel options to get around Laoag.

  2. Rent a car or motorbike - renting offers a flexible mode of transportation to explore Laoag city.

How to Get Around in Laoag

Jeepneys, tricycles, and taxis are popular modes of transportation within the city. A hop-on-hop-off bus service is also available for tourists who want to explore the city’s top attractions.

Where to Go Next from Laoag: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Pagudpud - known for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.

  2. Vigan - another historical town known for its colonial Spanish-era architecture and traditional Ilocos food.

Conclusion

Laoag is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the rich history and culture of northern Philippines. With its beautiful natural landscape, friendly locals, and exciting activities, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience in Laoag.

Laoag Sinking Bell Tower Laoag Sinking Bell Tower