Time of the visit: the 6th. till the 10th of dec.,2025.

Before I begin, I'd like to mention that I thoroughly enjoyed Vigan and nearby Paoay ( whs baroque church). Vigan's UNESCO World Heritage , combined with the Christmas season and everything that comes with it in the northern Philippines, was quite spectacular.

The countless religious processions and parades, the overflowing churches, the Christmas spirit that was palpable everywhere, the hospitable people who constantly wished you a Merry Christmas, the fantastic Christmas lights at night, the Disneyland-like Christmas market,the beautiful cathedral,the constant dance and music performances. Wonderful.

A visitor with a lack of time is able to see - superficially-most of Vigan within a few hours.

A quick glance reveals only one main tourist street and three pleasant main squares. Vigan's charm lies in appreciating the whole with ample time to explore. Everything is within walking distance. For weary visitors, there are countless motorized tricycles that will take you anywhere for just a few cents.

Vigan is located on the western coast of Luzon Island, in the province of Ilocos Sur, about 400 kilometers north of Manila.

• Founded in the 16th century, it was a major international port even before Spanish arrival in 1572. Under Spanish rule, it became a political, religious, and commercial hub for over 300 years.
• The city is a living museum of Spanish colonial town planning. Houses are built tight against the street, with ground floors used as shops/warehouses and upper floors as residences. The blend of European, Chinese, and Filipino elements creates a unique streetscape.
• Vigan is not a frozen relic; it remains a living community. Residents hang laundry, display flowers, and socialize on their balconies. The scent of local food, like empanada, fills the air, and countless horse-drawn carriages (calesas) clatter along the cobblestone streets; at times the sheer number of them gets on your nerves..
• While tourism( mostly from the Phillipines itself)is vital, the city retains a strong sense of local identity. Many descendants of the original Chinese-Ilocano families still occupy the historic houses, maintaining traditional crafts and lifestyles.

Vigan’s UNESCO recognition stems from its outstanding preservation of a unique colonial trading town that blends Asian and European influences. Its heritage components—the plazas, streets, and fusion architecture—tell a story of cultural exchange. Today, Vigan is both a historical treasure and a safe,vibrant, living city, offering visitors a tangible journey into the past,and so does its National Museum.

The Vigan National Museum is a complex of restored Spanish-era buildings. It features the Old Provincial Jail (a historic prison), the ancestral homes of martyr priest Padre Burgos and President Quirino, and exhibits on Ilocano history and culture.

I had a free guided tour in Spanish.Tours in English are also available.

The watchtower and the baroque church in Bantay is only a stone' a throw away from Vigan and can be easily visited with a tricycle for around 50-60 cents.Paoay ,where our fellow member Bernard Guerrero resides,with it's UNESCO baroque church is not far away and can be reached by either taking any bus from Bantay heading north or taking a bus from Vigan ' Partas bus terminal ( roughly every 30 min till 9.00,then roughly every h) .Partas operates the route Manila -Vigan-Manila. There are better and faster bus companies than Partas...the only advantage is that you can reserve your ticket online,and more importantly,your exact seat.

Our fellow member Bernard Guerrero gave me lots of useful recommendations for both Vigan and Paoay.Thanks to him and his knowledge I had a very detailed tour of the UNESCO church in Paoay as well as of the nearby former Marcos palace.

At times the right place makes all the difference.Vigan would not be outstanding on the American continent,but is rightfully a UNESCO site in Asia.

I for one had a great time in Vigan and the nearby Paoay and it's absolutely worthy UNESCO church.

Vigan is probably not the most outstanding whs out there,but it will always have a special place in my heart.