Things To Do
in Laoag
Laoag is a city located in the northern part of the Philippines, specifically in the province of Ilocos Norte. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with many well-preserved Spanish colonial buildings. The city is also famous for its sandy beaches along the West Philippine Sea, offering visitors beautiful sunsets and opportunities for water activities.
Laoag is a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore the region's history, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and experience the warmth of Filipino hospitality.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $0.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture. Enjoy a local breakfast at a nearby café before heading to your next destination.
Explore the Malacañang of the North, the former summer residence of Ferdinand Marcos. Take a leisurely stroll by Paoay Lake and capture some beautiful photos.
Dine at a local restaurant and try the famous empanada. Enjoy the vibrant night market and shop for souvenirs.
Head to Pagudpud beaches for a relaxing morning by the sea. Swim and bask in the sun while enjoying the stunning views.
Explore the Patapat Viaduct and take pictures of the scenic coastline. Visit the Bangui Windmills for an iconic Philippine photo opportunity.
Enjoy a beachfront dinner with fresh seafood served right on the sand. Relish the sound of the waves as you unwind after a busy day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical attractions such as the Paoay Church and the Sinking Bell Tower.
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including stunning beaches and the nearby sand dunes.
- Warm weather throughout the year, making it a great destination for sun-seekers.
- Delicious local cuisine featuring unique Ilocano dishes and fresh seafood.
- Affordable travel destination compared to other tourist spots in the Philippines.
- Limited public transportation options, making it challenging to get around without a private vehicle.
- Some areas may experience occasional flooding during the rainy season.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities.
- Infrastructure may be lacking in certain areas, impacting the overall travel experience.
- Language barrier for non-Filipino speakers as English is not universally spoken.
Best Activities in Laoag
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience sandboarding, 4x4 rides, and stunning sunset views at the Paoay Sand Dunes.
Explore the unique and picturesque rock formations created by the forces of nature.
Visit the former residence of the Marcos family, which offers scenic views of Paoay Lake.
Enjoy thrilling adventures like 4x4 rides and sandboarding in this natural wonder.
Tours
Uncover the best of Laoag with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Laoag
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers expansive desert-like landscapes and sandboarding opportunities
Provides a picturesque view of Paoay Lake and the surrounding countryside
Iconic windmills along the shoreline, perfect for capturing the coastal scenery and renewable energy source
Features stunning white rock formations against the backdrop of the sea
Food in Laoag
Laoag Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A crispy deep-fried pork belly that is a definite must-try. It's often served with a side of mouthwatering native vinegar or a spicy tomato relish. You can find the best bagnet at Saramsam Ylocano Restaurant and Bar.
Must-Try!
This savory pastry is stuffed with longganisa (local sausage), egg, and vegetables. Head to the iconic La Preciosa for their famous empanadas, which perfectly capture the essence of Ilocano cuisine.
A vegetarian delight made from roasted eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and beaten eggs. Experience this local favorite at La Elliana Hotel's restaurant.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Laoag better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers an array of street food options, including grilled seafood, skewered meats, and a variety of native snacks like bibingka and puto bumbong.
While exploring the sand dunes, don't miss the chance to sample street food such as grilled corn, fish balls, and coconut water straight from the shell.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Laoag, it's important to show respect for elders by using respectful language and gestures when interacting with them.
Visitors should dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites and interacting with locals.
It's important to be mindful of local customs and traditions, such as removing footwear before entering homes and participating in traditional rituals when invited.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Laoag with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Laoag
Ensure a smooth experience
In Laoag, tipping is not a common practice, but it is appreciated particularly in upscale restaurants and hotels. A service charge is often included in the bill, but an additional 5-10% tip for exceptional service is customary.
Cash is the primary form of payment in Laoag, especially in local markets and smaller establishments. However, major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger stores. ATMs are also available for cash withdrawals.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Laoag.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Laoag experiences warm and dry weather during this period, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The landscape is lush and vibrant due to earlier rains, and the weather is perfect for exploring the city and its surrounding attractions.
The wet season in Laoag brings heavy rainfall and sometimes typhoons, resulting in cooler temperatures and more humid conditions. Despite this, the countryside is beautifully green, and the wet season is an excellent time for experiencing cultural events and festivals in the area.
Laoag at Night
Hiking in Laoag
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular site for adventure seekers, offering hiking and sandboarding experiences in a unique desert-like environment.
A scenic coastal road that leads to various hiking trails along the beautiful Patapat Natural Park, perfect for nature lovers.
An accessible hiking spot with a moderate trail that leads to stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
While not a traditional hike, this area offers walking paths with breathtaking views of rock formations and the sea.
Nearby hiking paths around the iconic windmills provide a unique hiking experience with picturesque views of the wind farm and beaches.
Aiports
How to reach Laoag by plane.
The main airport serving Laoag and the Ilocos Region, offering domestic flights and limited international services.
The primary airport serving Manila, the capital of the Philippines, located approximately 400 kilometers from Laoag, providing numerous international flights.
An airport located in Subic Bay, around 300 kilometers from Laoag, offering limited international flights and charter services.
Located approximately 360 kilometers from Laoag, this airport serves various international flights and is one of the busiest in the Philippines.
Located around 1,200 kilometers from Laoag, this major international airport serves Davao City and the Mindanao region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant ethnic group in Laoag, known for their agricultural practices and traditions.
One of the major ethnic groups in the Philippines, contributing to the cultural diversity of Laoag.
A significant population in Laoag, known for their distinct language and culinary traditions.
An ethnic group originating from the Visayas region, they contribute to the multicultural landscape of Laoag.
A minority group in Laoag involved in business and commerce, adding to the economic fabric of the city.
Includes various smaller ethnic communities that contribute to the cultural diversity of the area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Laoag, played both in urban and rural areas. Local leagues and community games are common, capturing the interest of fans.
Volleyball has a strong following in Laoag, with many schools and communities organizing tournaments. It is popular among both men and women.
Sepak Takraw, a sport native to Southeast Asia, is also enjoyed in Laoag. It combines elements of volleyball and soccer, played with a rattan ball.
Football is gaining popularity in Laoag, with an increase in community teams and school programs promoting the sport.
Badminton is a favored sport in Laoag, often played in community centers and local competitions, appealing to people of all ages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Laoag.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Ilocano cuisine heavily features meat and seafood, most restaurants in Laoag are accommodating and offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly versions of local dishes. Be sure to communicate your dietary preferences to the staff, and they will gladly assist you.
Gluten-free options are not widely advertised, but many dishes in Laoag are naturally free from gluten. However, it's advisable to inquire with the restaurant staff about suitable choices, and they will be able to guide you accordingly.