Pagburnayan Pottery Making

Pagburnayan Pottery Making is one of the most frequently visited and photographed tourist spot in Vigan next to Calle Crisologo. It is home to the famous pottery in the Philippined. The locals say that they use the authentic and old method if making jars with the use of a potter’s wheel. The root word “Burnay” is an earthenware jar, which is the ones used by pottery makers while anay is a material that is heated in high temperature heat which makes the jars durable and and hard.

THE TOP 15 YOU MUST SEE IN ILOCOS NORTE

  1. The Sinking Bell Tower

If Italy has its leaning tower of Pisa, Laoag City has its own local version: the Sinking Bell Tower. This edifice is one of the tallest bell towers in the country and it's located in the heart of the city. As of today, it stands at 45m tall.

The tower is called a sinking tower because it's incredibly heavy, and it was built on a sandy ground. So, the combination of the loose foundation and its weight made it sink considerably into the ground at a rate of an inch every year. Normally, bell towers are situated near a church. However, this tower is far away from the cathedral.

The tower is also especially beautiful at night when it's lit up.

2. Lapaz Sand Dunes

Ever want to visit the Sahara Desert in Africa or the deserts found in the Middle Eastern countries? Just come and visit the unique geological dessert environment found only in Ilocos Norte — the Lapaz Sand Dunes. These sand dunes, their heights ranging from 10-30 meters, were created as a result of the interacting wind, sea, and river.

These sand dunes are accessible by tricycle or jeepney. They're only 15 minutes away from the city proper. Due to its desert environment, it is a popular location for shooting films for both local and international films makers alike. Notable local films include Himala and Panday, while internationally or on the U.S. front, there are Hollywood films such as Mad Max and Born on the Fourth of July (both starring Tom Cruise).

  3. Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino

The Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino is a first class hotel in Ilocos Norte, located in Brgy. Calayab, Laoag City — just 9km away from the city proper. Its design was inspired by Spanish colonial architecture. The main building houses a lobby, the casino, the arcades, the shopping arcade, and restaurants.

4. Malacañang of the North

Malacañang of the North was built as the official residence of the late President Marcos in Ilocos Norte. It is a two-story building located near the legendary Paoay Lake. The residence is complete with bedrooms, a dining area, a kitchen, an office, a spacious ballroom on the second floor, and even had an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Also, it has an expansive terrace and a beautiful garden with magnificent views of the lake.

Currently, it operates as the Marcos Memorabilia Museum, which is open to the public with an entrance fee of P20.00.

5. Paoay Church

Paoay Church is a national treasure of Ilocandia and a designated UNESCO world heritage site. It was built in 1896 by the Augustinian friars using coral bricks, which can be seen from its massive walls. Also, as a prime example of a Baroque church, it brings along a picturesque view truly reminiscent of the Spanish era, with details like enormous and magnificent buttresses on the sides and back of the building.

From Laoag City, it is just a 30-minute ride to visit this tourist attraction in Paoay. Once you've visited the Malacanang of the North in Suba, go straight ahead here.

Food tip: Also, don't forget also to try the pinakbet pizza at Herencia Cafe just in front of the church!

7. Playa Tropical Resort

Playa Tropical Resort is situated in Currimao, Ilocos Norte. It's a Balinese inspired beachside hotel haven where one can enjoy stunning sunsets and a constant, gentle ocean breeze, with a beach where the calm waves and fine sand reminds you of the infinite wonders of the world.

Playa Tropical also has an incredibly friendly staff, reflecting the brand of hospitality that Filipinos are known for. The suite rooms are very clean, large, and comfortable. The location is also close to all the popualr tourist spots located in Batac, Paoay, and Laoag.