1. Calle Crisologo, Vigan City
Vigan is the top tourist destinations in Ilocos Sur. Established in the 16th century, this City captured the eyes of the world because it was listed by UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1999 as one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial towns in Asia. Calle Crisologo, in Vigan city, has a combination of the past and the current; from the Spanish colonial and ancestral houses, streets paved with cobblestone, and the calesa drawn by the horses. Today, some old establishments are converted into shops and hotels to accommodate the thousands of tourists.
2. Vigan Cathedral
The Vigan Cathedral or the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle. It has a combination of Neo-Gothic and Baroque structures. The original church was established in 1574 and was made of wood and other local products. Like the other century old churches in the Philippines, Vigan Cathedral was damaged and re-constructed as centuries go by.
3. Candon Church
It was in 1695 when the construction of Candon Church was initiated. However, it was damaged by the earthquake and was rebuilt. Candon Church's highlight is the two paintings with 150 feet long, representing the 20 Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. This painting was unveiled in December 2017.
4. Pinsal Falls
If you're searching for a summer destination in the province, Pinsal Falls is worth sharing for. Situated in the tip of Municipality of Sta. Maria, Pinsal Falls is something that can cool down your body heat. Plus, the greens surrounding the falls creates a relaxing vibe in the area - can make your day, a lazy day. Needs adventure? Tourist can trek up to the top of Pinsal falls where the artistic limestone and rock formation can be seen. If you're fond of Fernando Poe Jr. a lot of his movies were taken here.
5. Enjoy the delicious Empanada
Eat the mouth watering Empanada: If you're in Ilocos, you can't leave these provinces without eating their prominent EMPANADA. It is a friend folded dough with filling that consists of egg, vegetables, and other ingredients. The finish product is a combination of the sumptuous filling wrapped in a crispy dough.
6. Buy Sukang Iloco
Before heading back, if you're looking for pasalubong for your friends and love ones, stores and shops can be found in every sides of the highway. If you're driving a private car, you can pass by the stores by the highway. Aside from the ref magnet, key chain, or sando that are very common, unique but perfect for pasalubong are sukang Iloco, walis tambo and other local products.
HOW TO GET TO VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR: You can take an 8 hours bus ride from Manila to Vigan City. Bus lines with daily trips to Vigan City are Viron Transit, Anicento Bus and Dominion Bus. If via air: Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines has regular flight from Manila to Laoag which is almost two hours travel to Vigan City.