The City of Vigan is a 4th-class municipality located in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It is one of the few finest preserved Spanish colonial towns in the country. Known for its Renaissance structures, it has also been influenced by Chinese and European architecture.
Aside from the world-renowned Calle Crisologo, Vigan is also known for its delectable and delicious food. Vigan’s cultural and historical background makes it one of the popular destinations in Northern Luzon for both domestic and international tourists.
Travel back in time when you visit Vigan. Here are some of the few interesting and famous places to see or go to when you’re in Vigan:
This is definitely one of the famous streets in the Philippines. This calle or street has well-preserved cobblestones with ancestral houses lining opposite the road. The view is quite stunning as if you’re back in the 16th century.
Since this is the most famous spot in Vigan, you wouldn’t want to miss it. You can easily find a restaurant or two serving the most popular dishes like the Vigan Longannisa, bagnet, and pakbet. You can always buy souvenirs from various gift shops that are also located in Calle Crisologo.
You may want to check out St. Paul’s Cathedral, also known as the Vigan Cathedral. Built in 1574 using only wood and thatch, the famous religious landmark was only a chapel back then. Only in 1964 when they started to build it as a church and was completed in 1800.
The famous cathedral is also known as the “Earthquake Baroque”. The design and structure have been modified by Ilocanos to withstand earthquakes.
Just 10 minutes away from Vigan, you can reach one of the oldest watchtowers in the country which was built in 1591. The watchtower is situated on top of a hill, making it the best spot for those who are assigned to watch over the towns of Vigan and Bantay.
The picturesque view may be the reason why it was Diego and Gabriela Silang’s favorite date spot during the 17th century.
The term pagburnayan can be translated loosely as jar factory as burnay means pot or jar. Jar-making was introduced when the Chinese came to Vigan and started this industry.
Watch how artisans create their burnays, from preparing the soil to actual molding the jar. You can also experience making jars using the ancient and authentic way.
Vigan also has its own beach and it’s one of a kind. Mindoro Beach faces the West Philippine Sea and is adorned by fine dark sands. Not your typical beach shore but its rich dark color will mesmerize you.
When you visit Mindoro Beach it’s best to stay and wait for the stunning sunset.
All year-round, you can always visit Vigan. Vigan, like the rest of the country, has two seasons. The dry season starts from November to April while the wet season is from May to October. If you want to travel in a cooler climate and to enjoy the visit without rain, the best time to visit is from December to February.
Planning to visit Vigan in the next coming days? Checkout the weather in Vigan.
If you want to experience and see what’s like living in a Spanish colonial town, you can easily travel to Vigan. Vigan is an 8-hour drive from Manila. If the land trip does not suit your taste, you can always get there via plane. Here’s how to get there:
From Manila, you can ride a bus going directly to Vigan. Bus terminals can be found in Manila and Cubao. Travel time is approximate 7-9 hours, depending on the traffic situation, with fares ranging from P600-900.
If you're coming from Clark, you may go directly to the Dau Bus terminal where you can ride a bus bound for Vigan. It will take you 7-9 hours to reach Vigan with bus fare reaching around P800.
From Baguio, you may take a bus bound for Laoag and tell the driver to drop you off in Vigan. For approximately 5 hours, you will reach Vigan. Bus fare will cost you around P400.
Book a flight either through Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific Air headed for Laoag City. From Laoag Airport, hop on a tricycle and head for the city proper. From there you can ride a bus going to Vigan for P300.00. Travel time will be more or less 2 hours. Be reminded that the buses going to Vigan is only until 6:00 PM. Beyond this hour, you will have to ride the bus bound for either Manila or Baguio. You just have to remind the driver to drop you off in Vigan.
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