Laoag is the proud capital of Ilocos Norte — a city of sinking bell towers, Baroque churches, bustling empanada markets, and the windswept coastline of Ilocos. A private full-day tour with a dedicated local expert is the most complete and curated way to absorb this storied city.
What to expect
Begin at the iconic Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag, a 17th-century free-standing campanile that has literally settled into the earth over centuries. Continue to Saint William's Cathedral, one of the Philippines' oldest and grandest churches, before exploring the Ilocos Norte Museum for deep regional context. A guided walk through the public market rewards adventurous palates with Laoag's famous empanada — a crispy local version unlike any other in the Philippines. The afternoon visits Fort Ilocandia, the colonial resort complex set among dramatic dunes on the Ilocos coast.
Good to know
Laoag City is just 18 km from Currimao Port — approximately 25 minutes by private car. Pre-book your private vehicle and guide to ensure seamless timing against your all-aboard. Full-day tours run 6–8 hours; confirm your return buffer with the operator.