The Best Things to See and Do in Northern Philippines

Banaue Rice Terraces
Banaue Rice Terraces | © jojo nicdao / Flickr
Gelyka Dumaraos

While the southern Philippines is brimming with white sand beaches and world-renowned islands such as Boracay, Coron, and El Nido, the northern part also has a lot to offer. For example, the northern Philippines boasts surfing, island hopping, historical tours, sand surfing, trekking, spelunking, and much more. Here’s what you can see and do in the north.

Sandboard in Ilocos

Natural Feature

La Paz Sand Dunes in Ilocos
© Ricky Artigas / Flickr
Take a thrilling 4×4 ride and go sandboarding at La Paz Sand Dunes on Ilocos Norte. Learn to balance on your knees and glide across the soft sands, which will get your heart pumping while under the scorching heat of the sun.

Tour Vigan

Archaeological site

Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Philippines
© Ray in Manila / Flickr
If you want to revisit the Spanish colonization in the Philippines, then visiting Vigan is a must. Calle Crisologo is the most visited place in the city, as the street still features old Spanish-designed houses and pathways.

Island hop in Hundred Islands National Park

Park

Hundred Islands
© Bona Rae Villarta / Flickr
In Alaminos, Pangasinan, an over five-hour drive from Manila, you will find over 100 islands all scattered off the shore of the town. While day island-hopping tours are available, you can also make room reservations at the resorts on the major islands and spend a night there. You can also partake in activities such as snorkeling and zip-lining.

Climb Mt. Pulag

Forest

The second highest peak in Luzon, Philippines, is Mt. Pulag, dubbed the “Sea of Clouds.” Every weekend, dozens of hikers brave the chilly weather and trek through the mossy forest just to get a glimpse of the scenic summit view.

Mt. Pulag, Kabayan, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines

Mt. Pulag | © jojo nicdao / Flickr

Explore Baguio City

The remnants of American colonization in the Philippines is most visible in the “City of Pines.” Baguio City makes for a perfect weekend getaway where you can take fun, laid-back tours; explore Mines View Park and Burnham Park (and take plenty of pictures); check out the BenCab Museum and the Wood Carving Village; and visit the night market at Harrison and Session Road. You can even make a side trip to La Trinidad, Benguet.

Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines

Baguio | © Sir Mildred Pierce / Flickr

See the rice terraces

A UNESCO Heritage Site, the Banaue rice terraces should definitely be a must on your list of places to see in the northern Philippines. Ancestors of the Ifugao tribe carved by hand thousands of step-like terraces in the mountains, creating a beautiful sight that people often refer to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

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GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

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An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

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THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

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From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Banaue Rice Terraces, Nueva Vizcaya – Ifugao – Mountain Province Rd, Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines, +63 946 068 6965

Banaue Rice Terraces

Go spelunking in Sagada

Sagada Province is another must-see destination, especially for its stunning sunrise vista from the peak of Mt. Kiltepan. But aside from this, you should also try the thrilling adventure of spelunking and see the hanging coffins of the province’s ancestors.

Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines

Sagada Cave | © Andrew and Annemarie / Flickr

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