Vigan
The historic city of Vigan, Philippines, is lined with cobblestone streets and charming architectural structures that date back to the Spanish colonial times. Indeed, the city has achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Though once an island, separated by the Mestizo River, Vigan is now officially a part of Luzon island, now that the river has silted over. The city was once a well-known trading port for gold and exotic Asian goods from China, before being captured by the Spanish in the late 16th century.
The city is made of a combination of rolling hills in the south, and plains in the west that border the South China Sea. The lands outside of the city center are mainly used for agriculture. The picturesque Mindoro Beach is only a short cycle away.
Vigan is a small city that has wonderful shopping and recreational areas. It is quite tourist-friendly, with ATMs and banks accepting international cards, as well as internet cafes, restaurants with WiFi, and provincial tourist information points. Two nearby airports serve the city, making it easily accessible.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Mindoro Beach
Only a quick jaunt from the city center of Vigan, Mindoro Beach is a picturesque area that’s ideal for a stroll and is particularly captivating at sunset.
Ride a Kalesa
Visitors to Vigan love to ride a kalesa, or a horse drawn carriage, along the city’s historic cobblestone streets. These rides can take visitors as far as nearby towns.
Shopping
The city is an antique-lovers’ heaven, with all kinds of shops selling artifacts from times past, as well as locally-made souvenirs to take home. The Vigan Public Market is a particular favorite for shoppers.
Visit Ancient Sites
This UNESCO Heritage Site is full of historical buildings, from the Mestizo District, filled with ancestral houses built by Chinese traders, to St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral, complete with eight-sided bell tower, to numerous historical plazas that are social hubs for residents and tourists alike.
Philippines Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
Multi-Country Specialists
Philippines Goes Well With
Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Tips from the Top
- Author
- Dave Stamboulis
Removed from the most famous tourist destinations in The Philippines, Ilocos Norte in far north Luzon offers everything from pristine beaches and scenery to barely-frequented cul-tural treasures.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
A couple from Holland - Aman Jet Expedition, Spring 2016
People keep asking us which country we enjoyed the most, it's very hard to say, there were special experiences everywhere.
A couple from Florida - Aman Jet Expedition, Spring 2016
As the trip progressed strangers became friends. Particularly special was the effortlessness: perfect logistics, never having to worry about anything, and, of course, the charming and thoughtful way you organised everything.
Couple from Nevada - Aman Private Jet Expedition, Spring 2017: Marcela Vanhara
It wasn't our first trip with Remote Lands but again they proved they are the best! Everything ran smoothly from start to finish.
