More about hotels in Ilocos Norte
About Ilocos Norte accommodation
Ilocos Norte sits at the northwestern tip of Luzon, where windswept coastlines, rolling sand dunes and laid-back beach towns come together for a proper Ilocos road trip. Whether you're basing yourself in the provincial capital of Laoag or chasing waves further north in Pagudpud, there's a comfortable stay to suit every budget.
Where should you stay in Ilocos Norte?
Laoag City is the main hub and the easiest base if you're flying in, with quick access to the airport, local eateries and day trips out to Paoay and Bangui. If beaches and surf are more your scene, head up to Pagudpud, home to the postcard-worthy Saud Beach and Blue Lagoon, with a laid-back strip of beachfront resorts to choose from. Currimao, along the coast between the two, is a quieter alternative for travellers wanting a bit of both worlds.
How much is Ilocos Norte accommodation?
Budget travellers can find simple guesthouses and inns from around AU$20 to AU$45 a night, ideal for backpackers on an Ilocos loop. Mid-range hotels and beach resorts with pools and sea-view rooms generally run from AU$50 to AU$120 a night. For a bit more polish, such as beachfront resorts with multiple pools or resort-style amenities in Pagudpud and Laoag, expect to pay upwards of AU$130 a night. Prices tend to climb during the dry season (November to May) and around local festivals, so book ahead if you're travelling then.
What is Ilocos Norte known for?
Ilocos Norte is best known for the Bangui Bay windmills, a striking row of wind turbines lined up along the coast that make for one of the most photographed spots in northern Luzon, especially at sunset. Nearby, the Paoay Sand Dunes offer a completely different landscape, with 4x4 rides and sandboarding across dramatic desert-like terrain. Along the coast, the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is a huge, wind-carved white rock formation that's become a favourite stop for photos. Up north, Pagudpud's Saud Beach and Blue Lagoon are the region's star beaches, with fine white sand and calm, clear water. Architecture and photography fans can also detour to the well-preserved ancestral houses around Paoay, a short drive from the heritage town of Vigan in neighbouring Ilocos Sur province.
What are the best hotels in Ilocos Norte?
In Laoag, Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel is a long-standing favourite, with expansive grounds, a pool and easy access to the airport. Up in Pagudpud, Kapuluan Vista Resort is popular with surfers and sunset-watchers thanks to its clifftop position overlooking the bay, while Pannzian Beach Resort and Casa Victoria Beach Resort and Restaurant both offer comfortable beachfront rooms with pool access just steps from the sand.
Tips for booking a stay in Ilocos Norte?
Book early if you're visiting during the dry season or a local festival, as the best beachfront rooms in Pagudpud fill up quickly. Renting a car or arranging a private van is the easiest way to cover the distance between Laoag, Paoay, Bangui and Pagudpud in a single trip. Pack sun protection and comfortable footwear for the sand dunes and rock formations, and check whether your hotel offers airport transfers if you're flying into Laoag.
