Leaning coconut palm on the white sand beach at Saud Beach, Pagudpud

Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Norte is at the northern end of the Ilocos Region, and it is a long way from Manila. Pagudpud is about 12 hours by road, Paoay roughly nine to eleven hours, and Bangui is about 500 kilometres north of the capital. Most people fly to Laoag, roughly an hour from Manila, and drive from there.

Best For

Ilocos Norte suits a longer trip with a few nights away. Bangui has the huge wind turbines along the coast, Paoay has the UNESCO-listed church and Malacañang of the North beside Paoay Lake, and Pagudpud has Saud Beach, the Blue Lagoon and Bantay Abot Cave.

Top Places

Bangui Windmills are huge wind turbines along the coast, about an hour’s drive from Laoag. Pagudpud is the last town in Ilocos Norte before Cagayan, with Saud Beach, the Blue Lagoon and Bantay Abot Cave. Paoay is a small town about 20 kilometres south of Laoag City, with the UNESCO-listed Paoay Church.

Bangui Windmills

Pagudpud

Paoay

Plan Your Trip

Most people fly to Laoag, roughly an hour from Manila, and drive from there, which saves a very long road trip. Check flights and schedules before you book. February to April is the window I’d aim for, since it gives you a better chance of dry weather before the wetter months, and December to April also suits Paoay. Entrance fees usually apply at some sites, so expect a few small charges.

Dezza’s Tip

I’d give yourself several nights and plan the route in one direction, from Paoay up the coast through Bangui to Pagudpud, instead of doubling back.

Ilocos Norte FAQs

How do I get to Ilocos Norte from Manila?

Most people fly to Laoag, roughly an hour from Manila, then drive to their destination. The road trip is a long one: Pagudpud is about 12 hours by road from Manila and Paoay roughly nine to eleven hours. Check flights before you book.

What is Ilocos Norte known for?

Ilocos Norte is known for the Bangui Windmills, the UNESCO-listed Paoay Church and Malacañang of the North beside Paoay Lake, and the beaches around Pagudpud, including Saud Beach and the Blue Lagoon.

When is the best time to visit Ilocos Norte?

February to April is a good window, especially for beaches and a longer road trip around the province, because you have a better chance of dry weather before the wetter months. December to April also suits Paoay.

Where is Pagudpud?

Pagudpud is the last town in Ilocos Norte before Cagayan, at the northern end of the province. It is about 12 hours by road from Manila, and it has Saud Beach, the Blue Lagoon and Bantay Abot Cave.