Backpacking in the Philippines 16: Crouching in a Tricycle to Paoay Church, the No.1 Attraction in Laoag

Backpacking in the Philippines 16: Crouching in a Tricycle to Paoay Church, the No.1 Attraction in Laoag

Hello, I am mr.hotsia, back with a travel experience full of local vibes and fresh feelings from Laoag city, the capital of Ilocos Norte province in the Philippines. This time, I chose to travel in a truly local way by riding a tricycle, or as locals commonly call it, a motorized three-wheeler. It made me feel like stepping back to an old era before modern cars, filled with a slow rhythm of life and unique charm.

Riding a tricycle in Laoag is not just transportation; it’s an experience I, mr.hotsia, really enjoy. You have to crouch to fit into the narrow seat of the simply decorated three-wheeler. Some have bright-colored covers, others have loud engines. I believe anyone who tries it will understand why locals still prefer this way to get around town: it’s convenient, agile, and lets you closely experience the street atmosphere.

My chosen route was riding a tricycle from the morning market of Laoag city. If you’re interested in the fresh market atmosphere, I have written about it in an article.Backpacking in the Philippines 4: Exploring the Morning Market, Eating Laoag Food, Philippines - Laoag Morning Market Street FoodThe market is full of fresh local food at very cheap prices. Walking through the market and smelling the aroma of local dishes made me crave “Pinakbet” and “Empanada” without realizing it.

Along the way, the tricycle passed through old residential areas that still maintain their original condition, with wooden and pastel-colored concrete houses. People walked by, some smiling and greeting warmly. This is the charm of a small town that has tightly preserved its traditional way of life.

Paoay Church: Beauty and History You Must Visit

My destination today isPaoay Churchor officially San Agustin Church, which is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This church is the top highlight of Laoag city and a must-visit place when coming to Ilocos Norte region.

When the tricycle arrived at the church area, I felt like stepping into another world. Paoay Church was built with Baroque architecture combined with strength to withstand many earthquakes throughout history. The walls are so thick they look like a fortress, showing exquisite carvings that tell stories of Christianity and local history.

The atmosphere around the church is shaded by large trees and cooled by gentle breezes. I spent time resting on the lawn in front of the church, watching people come to worship and take photos to capture memories. Some came with families, some traveled alone like me, mr.hotsia, seeking peace and inspiration from this ancient place.

Lifestyle and Travel to Laoag

Laoag is a city that perfectly blends old and modern. Getting here is not too difficult. Although there is no major airport directly in the city, you can fly to an international airport in a nearby city and then take a bus or van in. It’s convenient and a route chosen by backpackers like me.

One thing I, mr.hotsia, really like is the simplicity of the people here. Everyone smiles brightly and is willing to help visiting tourists. Even if the language is not fluent, they try to communicate with gestures and warm smiles.

After visiting Paoay Church, I didn’t miss the chance to recharge with local food at a nearby market. These small markets offer a variety of savory and sweet dishes. If you want to learn more about Laoag’s lifestyle, I recommend visiting the morning market as I wrote before. Or if you enjoy local atmosphere in Lao, not far from here there are many interesting natural attractions and flea markets such asKha Mu local market deep in the forest by the Mekong River in Laoswhich I have also experienced.

Summary of Experience from mr.hotsia

Riding a tricycle in Laoag to Paoay Church is a journey that offers a unique feeling, both close to local life and the architectural beauty with a long history. For those who like unhurried travel and want to experience the Philippines from a different perspective, I, mr.hotsia, recommend you visit this city once. You will realize that the “simplicity” of this small town can fulfill a traveler’s heart more than you think.

If you want to see real images and atmosphere from this trip, you can follow my travel video atBackpacking in the Philippines 16: Crouching in a Tricycle to Paoay Church, the No.1 Attraction in LaoagI guarantee you will see every moment I described completely.