Paoay is arguably the most beautiful municipality in Ilocos Norte. A legendary lake, a romantic church and what seem to be endless sand dunes are just few its prominent features. With its own PAOAY KUMAKAWAY tourism campaign, Paoay has become active in encouraging and welcoming tourists to discover what this mystic town can offer. Here are the top six must see places in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.



1.     The PAOAY LAKE is as mysterious as its scenic beauty. Ilocanos grew up believing that the lake was once home to a place called San Juan de Sagun, the Philippines’ very own Soddom and Gomorrah. Due to the materialism of its people that angered God, an earthquake sank the town thus, the birth of the lake. Up to this day, locals still believe that the fishes and creatures in the deepest part of the lake are decorated with earrings and crowns because these were ones the materialistic people of the vanished town.



Find out more about the Paoay Lake’s new attractions and how to get there:



http://www.choosephils.com/read_post.php?cat=travel&id=2039



2.     MALACANANG OF THE NORTH was once home to the family of the former president of the Philippines and Ilocos Norte’s famous son, Ferdinand Marcos. The splendid structure which has the perfect view of the Paoay Lake is one of the rest houses and the official home to the first family. Never losing its luster, the Malacanang of the North is now open to tourists and serves as a venue to various events in the province.



Did you know that this house was a gift to President Marcos? Click here to find out who gave it to him and more stories behind the Malacanang of the North:



http://www.choosephils.com/read_post.php?cat=travel&id=2040



3.     What looks like a Hacienda, with its elegant structure and old world feel, PLAZA DEL NORTE (formerly known as the Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center) is the famous choice for the tourist’s “home away from home”. Perfectly situated near Paoay’s famous tourist’s spots, the hotel is an ideal home to visitors from around the world and is considered as a tourist attraction in its own right because of its beautiful landscape and design.  



Plan your vacation now with Plaza del Norte and know more about this beautiful hotel here:



http://www.choosephils.com/read_post.php?cat=travel&id=2041



4.     If you want adventure in Paoay, then the PAOAY SAND DUNES will definitely do it for you! 4x4 thrilling rides, with 10-20 ft drop off and a “rollercoaster”, and sand boarding will provide the endorphin rush for the adventurous. The Paoay Sand dunes is a protected landscape and a part of the 52 square mile Ilocos Sand Dunes the stretches from the towns of Currimao to Pasuquin.



Are you ready to try the heart-dropping ride along the sand dunes? Click here for more information and tips:



http://www.choosephils.com/read_post.php?cat=travel&id=2042



5.     With its Baroque-style architecture, the PAOAY CHURCH is one of the most romantic churches in the country. It is a perfect backdrop to classical romances and even a popular choice to shoot for local and international movies. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.



Visit this Roman Catholic Church and marvel on its beauty, click here to know more and how to get there:



http://www.choosephils.com/read_post.php?cat=travel&id=2043



6.      Just a few steps from the Paoay Church is the perfect restaurant to fill in those Ilocano dishes craving. CAFÉ HERENCIA is considered as the center of culinary tradition in Ilocos Norte. Herencia literally means heritage and amid the modern times, has lived up to its name. It remains faithful to classical Ilocano cuisine such as the Pinakbet and Bagnet. Still, to adapt to the now, Café Herencia also offers its classical dishes with a modern twist just like their popular PINAKBET PIZZA.



Are you hungry yet? Check out more about Café Herencia here: http://www.choosephils.com/read_post.php?cat=food&id=1026





To get there:



By Plane:



Laoag is the gateway to Paoay, Ilocos Norte.



Philippine Airlines flies between Manila and Laoag daily. 
Book your flights now at: http://www.philippineairlines.com



·         Travel time is around an hour



 



By Bus:



There are hourly bus rides to Laoag via Farinas, Florida and Partas.



·         Travel time is around 10-12 hours



·         Price range: 800php ($19) and up



 



For more information and assistance:



Ilocos Norte Tourism Office 
Provincial Capitol 
+63-77-772-1211 loc 119 
+ 63-77-770-4242 

www.ilocosnorte.gov.ph 
ilocosnortetourism@yahoo.com 
paoay.kumakaway@gmail.com