Backpacking in the Philippines 20: Pad Dam Travel Info for Laoag (Laoag)

Backpacking in the Philippines 20: Pad Dam Travel Info for Laoag (Laoag)

Hello, I am mr.hotsia. Today, I will take you to experience the atmosphere and vibrant colors of Laoag City, Philippines, where traditional local life blends perfectly with modernity. I must say this trip made me feel like I discovered a unique world unlike any other in Southeast Asia. And of course, I will share everything straightforwardly, as if we were chatting together at the morning market in Laoag.

Laoag, a small city with extraordinary charm

Laoag is the capital of Ilocos Norte province, located in the northern part of Luzon Island, Philippines. This city may not be as famous as Manila or Cebu, but if you take a stroll through the morning market or visit the Spanish colonial architecture, you will discover hidden beauty everywhere. I, mr.hotsia, love exploring the morning market in Laoag because it feels like a gateway to the real life of the locals here.

The Laoag morning market is a great starting point for those wanting to experience local food and culture. I tried fresh seafood just caught from the sea. If you like grilled or fried food, you must not miss Pad Dam or “Dinengdeng” in Filipino style, made with fresh local ingredients combined with rich spices. It’s similar to our Laoag-style food but with a perfectly balanced difference.

Real eating and walking experience with Pad Dam in Laoag

This time, I, mr.hotsia, walked into a small restaurant located in the morning market. The atmosphere was simple, and the owner was a local deeply connected to traditional food. The Pad Dam here includes fresh bean sprouts, dried shrimp, and local vegetables. Importantly, they use a black sauce made from fermented soybeans. The taste is rich, slightly salty, a bit sweet, and has a unique aroma of local herbs never encountered before.

This Pad Dam dish goes well with hot steamed rice or sticky rice. I, mr.hotsia, recommend ordering it with “Inihaw na Manok,” grilled chicken with crispy skin and juicy meat soaked in lemongrass and pepper sauce. Eating it with hot sticky rice enhances the delight so much you lose track of time.

Lifestyle and travel in Laoag

Laoag has charm in preserving its traditional way of life very well. I, mr.hotsia, spent several days walking along small streets filled with local shops selling handicrafts, traditional silk clothing, and even accessories made from shells and local wood.

Traveling in Laoag city is very convenient. You can use the jeepney, the classic public transport of the Philippines, to see the city at a low cost. Or if you want more freedom, renting a motorcycle to drive yourself is a good option. I, mr.hotsia, chose the latter because I wanted to stop at various spots around the city and enjoy the beautiful countryside and seaside views.

Recommended accommodations and things to do in Laoag

If anyone has watchedBackpacking in the Philippines 20: Pad Dam Travel Info for Laoag (Laoag)by me, mr.hotsia, you will see the real atmosphere I experienced. Accommodations in Laoag range from budget hostels to beautiful resorts near the beach. I recommend staying in the city center for convenience in walking around and finding delicious food.

Besides the morning market and local food, Laoag also has interesting tourist spots such as the ancient San Agustin Church with classic Spanish vibes, or you can enjoy the seaside view at Paoay Sand Dunes, a place many might not have heard of before.

Connecting to a deeper Lao travel experience

For those interested in a deeper look at Laoag’s lifestyle and culture, I, mr.hotsia, recommend reading articles about the local markets in Lao, full of colors and stories of the villagers inBoat Trip in Laos 2: Raw and Unmatched, Kha Mu Market Deep in the Forest by the Mekong River in LaosOr if you want to know about simple local breakfasts in nearby towns, check outBackpacking in the Philippines 5: Hotel Breakfast in Laoag, Philippines (Casa De Renzo hotel laoag Philippines)where I, mr.hotsia, have detailed everything thoroughly.

Final words from the field

My visit to Laoag was not just an ordinary trip but an experience that made me feel close to the local way of life. I got to taste authentic local food and talk with the people here in a friendly manner. If you are looking for a destination that is not crowded but full of colors and flavors, don’t forget to put Laoag on your list.