In preparation for our Ilocos escapade, I did an intensive online research which started approximately five months before our trip. A mammoth of vivid insights about the two provinces of Ilocos were giving me so many reasons to rush this vacation. My primary resources were online photos and stimulating chronicles of bloggers who have already stepped on the northwestern point of the country. Here are some of my discoveries about Ilocos Sur…
THINGS TO DO
1. Take a leisurely walk in Calle Crisologo (The Heritage Village)
- See it during the day to better appreciate the facade of Spanish-style houses that were converted into hotels, restaurants, museums and souvenir shops.
- A walk at night offers enchanting sights of the past and the present. 
2. See the tourist spots in Vigan via Kalesa Tour.
- Rate: P150-350/hr
3. Experience a range of dining discoveries in Vigan
- Enjoy Ilocos' cuisine in the restaurants along The Heritage Village.
- Plaza Burgos has a row of stalls selling famous Vigan empanada and more...
4. Visit museums
- Arce Mansion, Qurino Blvd. cor. Abaya St., Vigan City
* Dress like ilustrados or pretend to be someone from the Spanish era and have a photo of yourself (with fee)
- Crisologo Museum, Delos Reyes Street, Vigan City / No Entrance Fee
- Syquia Mansion (ancestral house of the wife of former Pres. Elpidio Quirino), Quirino Blvd., Vigan City / Entrance Fee P20-30
- Burgos National Museum (Padre Burgos House), Burgos, Vigan City / Entrance Fee P20
- Magsingal Museum, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur
5. For adrenaline junkies, visit Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone located at Banaoang, Bantay, Ilocos Sur or just savor the relaxing scenery from this old bridge.
6. Enjoy fresh water of Pinsal Falls located at Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur.
Photo Credit: Santa Maria Ilocos Sur FB Page
7. Witness the process of making burnay jars at Pagburnayan Pottery, Liberation Blvd., Vigan City.
- No Entrance Fee
Photo Credit: interaksyon.com
8. Visit historical churches with massive structure and distinctive baroque architecture.
- La Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion Church, Sta Maria
Photo Credit: vigattintourism.com
- San Vicente Ferrer Church, San Vicente
- Simbaan a bassit (Cemetery Chapel), Vigan City
- Sta Lucia Church, Sta Lucia
- St. Augustine Parish Church or Bantay Church, Bantay
- St. Augustine Parish Church or Bantay Church or Shrine of Our Lady of Charity
- St. Augustine Church, Tagudin
- St. John of Sahugan Church, Candon
- St. Lucy Parich Church, Narvacan
- St. Mark the Evangelist Church, Cabugao
- St. Nicholas of Tolentino Parish Church, Sinait
- St. Paul Cathedral or Vigan Cathedral, Vigan City
- St. William the Hermit, Magsingal
- Sto. Domingo Parish Church, Sto. Domingo
9. Climb Bantay Bell Tower and have a commanding view of Vigan.
11. Visit Baluarte of former Ilocos Gov. Chavit Singson.
- See the golden yellow building/house of the former governor.
12. Buy pasalubong and souvenirs.
- There are many stores in Calle Crisologo selling keychains, t-shirts, antique decors etc.
- Vigan longganisa and bagnet are said to be cheaper in Vigan Public Market.
- Aside from chichacorn, bring home Ilocos' bibingka.
- There are many stores in Calle Crisologo selling keychains, t-shirts, antique decors etc.
- Vigan longganisa and bagnet are said to be cheaper in Vigan Public Market.
- Aside from chichacorn, bring home Ilocos' bibingka.
Photo Credit: foodtrippings.com
WHERE TO STAY
Photo Credit: Casa Teofilo Lodge FB Page
Photo Credit: Casa Rica Hotel FB Page
Photo Credit: Ciudad Ferdina Hotel FB Page
Photo Credit: Condotel Asuncion FB Unofficial Page
Photo Credit: Cordillera Inn FB Page
Photo Credit: Fiesta Garden FB Page
Photo Credit: Gordion Hotel FB Page
Photo Credit: Grandpa's Inn FB Page
Photo Credit: Green R Hotel Website
Photo Credit: Hotel Felicidad FB Page
Photo Credit: Hotel Luna FB Page
Photo Credit: Hotel ni Among FB Page
Photo Credit: Hotel Salcedo de Vigan FB Page
Photo Credit: Hotel Veneto de Vigan
Photo Credit: Metro Vigan Inn
Photo Credit: Mojica Residencia Hotel FB Page
Photo Credit: My Vigan Home FB Page
Photo Credit: Vigan Plaza Hotel FB Page
Photo Credit: Vigan Riverside Hotel FB Page
Photo Credit: Villa Angela FB Page
WHERE TO EAT
Some of the most recommended restaurants and the must-try in their menu (Click the Photo Credit for reviews):
Abuelita’s, 39 Gov. A. Reyes St. cor. Mabini, Vigan City
Bistro Candon, Four Brother's Compound, Candon, Ilocos Sur
Café Leona, Calle Crisologo, Vigan City
Okilas Dinardaraan
Photo Credit: triptoeing.com
Bistro Candon, Four Brother's Compound, Candon, Ilocos Sur
Café Leona, Calle Crisologo, Vigan City
Café Uno, Grandpa's Inn, Bonifacio St. cor. Quirino Blvd., Vigan City
CTL Resto Grille, Casa Teofila Lodge, Panday Daya, Vigan City
Kuboville, Salcedo St., Vigan City
Kusina Felicitas, Grandpa's Inn, Bonifacio St. cor. Quirino Blvd., Vigan City
Hidden Garden Lilong and Lilang Restaurant, Brgy. Bulala, Vigan City
Ihawan sa Caoayan, Don Alejandro Quirolgico Caoayan, Ilocos Sur
Lampong’s Restaurant, Calle Crisologo, Vigan City
Leila’s Cafe, General Luna St., Vigan City
Los Majitos de Vigan, General Luna St. cor. V. delos Reyes St., Vigan City
Tummy Talk, Calle Crisologo, Vigan City
Uno Grille, Grandpa's Inn, Bonifacio St. cor. Quirino Blvd., Vigan City
Poqui Poqui balls
Photo Credit: brahmineyes.wordpress.com
Photo Credit: blissfulguro.com
Okilas Dinardaraan
Photo Credit: triptoeing.com
Pinakbet
Photo Credit: manilarules.com
Pinakbet Pizza
Photo Credit: ediblecravings.net
Sinanglao
Photo Credit: baffledchichi.blogspot.com
For Reviews, click here.
HOW TO GET HERE
Via Bus
Asturias cor. Laong Laan St., Sampaloc, Manila
Tel Nos.: 732 8534; 521 0670
Dominion Bus Lines
EDSA cor. New York St., Cubao
Tel Nos.: 727 2350; (0932) 4412706
Laong Laan cor. M. dela Fuenta St., Sampaloc, Manila
Tel Nos.: 731 4507; 731 4375; 743 8580
Aurora Blvd., cor. Bernardino St., Cubao
Tel No.: 727 8278
Vigan Bus Terminal
Alcantara St., Vigan City
Tel Nos.: (77) 722 2933; (77) 722 2935
EDSA, Cubao
Tel Nos.: 726 7409; 726 7412; 727 3841
Dapitan cor. Blumentritt St., Manila
Tel Nos: 741 6538
*Travel Time: 8-9 hours from EDSA-Balintawak
Via Plane to Laoag International Airport
Daily Flight Schedule: 12pm & 7pm
Daily Flight Schedule: 7:30pm
- Travel time is one hour or more
- Ride a jeepney to Vigan
*For contact details, more photos, reviews, rates and other information, click the words in red font.
**Details may change without prior notice.
***I was not commissioned to promote any hotel, restaurant etc. The information listed is based on my own online research. Due diligence is necessary.
****Visit related post about Ilocos Adventure: Ilocos Norte Travel Guide. For sample itinerary and expenses check out 3D/2N DIY Ilocos Escapade.
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