I’ve been to Vigan, Ilocos Sur back in 2015 only in passing before going to Pagudpud during our Trip to North. But this time around, I was given an opportunity to be a guest speaker for a Globe myBusiness event and talk about my experience with hotels as a travel blogger. Special thanks to Michelle Arcilla of Project Duo Events Production for inviting me!😊
Such an honor speaking in front of these hotel owners/managers in Vigan. A Happy Birthday experience indeed!☺️
And since the event was held in Vigan, what better way to spend our free time? Of course, explore! I’ve listed the top 10 things to do in Vigan, Ilocos Sur for your guide.
WHAT TO DO IN VIGAN:
1. Stroll at Calle Crisologo
Experience its beauty during day time. I don’t know but there’s something about walking in the streets of Calle Crisologo that makes me feel so tranquil.
There are a lot of Intagrammable spots too
It’s extra pretty at night!
We had a sumptuous dinner at Cafe Leona. And these are the people behind the Project Duo Events Production for Globe myBusiness (L-R: Kaeser, Althea, Bianca, Justine, Michelle, Phai)
2. Have Vigan Empanada for merienda – You can easily see this in the streets of Calle Crisologo, we bought empanada at Irene’s Vigan Empanada
3. Ride a Kalesa
Due to time restraint, I was not able to ride it. But… while walking, I think I talked to a horse and asked him how he was haha!😅
4. Bell Tower – When you arrive, you will see Saint Augustine Parish Church, also known as Bantay Church.
Bell Tower is open from 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily. You can go up to the tower and see the view from top. Please note that food and drinks are not allowed inside. Entrance is free but they will appreciate donations.
At the top of the tower, only 10-15 people are allowed at a time. Please beware that the stairs are steep, so be extra careful. But it’s worth it up there. You can contemplate for about 5 minutes. LOL!
Some photo op can be fun too!😊
Here’s the view from the top
5. Pagburnayan – There’s two iconic pottery place in Vigan city, these are Ruby’s Pottery and RG Jar Factory, just across each other. We went to Ruby’s Pottery and tried it. You can give any amount, but the price of the little jar is Php 50.
Look at my happy face!😂
6. Visit Hidden Garden – You can dine here as they also have the best Ilocano cuisine or just enjoy nature
7. Crisologo Memorabilia Museum – The museum is open Mon-Sun 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM. Admission is free, but donations are highly appreciated.
8. Have Vigan longganisa or bagnet for breakfast
Okay, just look at these beauties! And yes, it taste so good too!!!
*Grabbed photos from Google because we already finished it before taking a photo
We bought ours here, and they will give you free taste of bagnet. OMG! So good!!!
Crunchy Chichacorn is also available there😊
9. Plaza Salcedo – You may have some photo op in the morning like we did
It’s more exciting at night. There are colorful dancing fountains that starts at 7:00 PM every night, and takes place every 30 minutes.
10. Rowilda’s Handloom Weaving – Unfortunately, it was already 4PM when we went there and it was already closed. But I would love to see how they’re weaving next time.
*Photo grabbed from Google
For those who will go there via commute, the best way to visit all the tourist spots is to hire a trycycle. It’s Php 500 per tricye and the driver will bring you to 10 places:
- Bantay Church/Bell Tower
- Hidden Garden
- Crisologo Museum
- National Museum
- Syquia Mansion
- Banaoang Bridge
- Baluarte
-
Rowilda’s Handloom Weaving
- River Cruise
- Vigan Longganisa shop
Here are the estimated expenses:
Transportation:
- For those who will bring a car/van, Waze is your best friend
- For commuters: From Cubao, you may take a Partas or Viron bus going to Vigan
- Bus Fare: Airconditioned bus is around Php 600-700 and Deluxe is Php 800-1000
- Travel time is approximately 7-8 hours
You can tour Vigan for a day, then go to Laoag and Pagudpud if you have a lot of time to spare. But since this is business and pleasure, we just really enjoyed our experience in Vigan.
I hope this blog helps! For more of my adventures, you may visit Althea’s Adventures or follow my Facebook page. Happy travels!☺️
Althea's Adventures 
Wow!!! Very informative!!! Daghang Salamat!!!
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Awww you’re welcome😊
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Nice list! I will go back to Ph this New Year and I’m planning to visit Vigan on my first 2 days. Thank you for sharing!
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