Backpacking in the Philippines 21: Traveling from Laoag to Manila flight Laoag to Manila

Backpacking in the Philippines 21: Traveling from Laoag to Manila with the Laoag to Manila flight

Hello fellow travelers, this is mr.hotsia with a new episode of backpacking in the Philippines. This time, I take you to experience flying from Laoag to Manila, the heart of the Philippines. I traveled there myself, experienced it firsthand, and have stories from the airport to the vibrant city of Manila. Let's whet your appetite and share the experience.

Laoag: A small city full of life and color

Before boarding the plane, let me tell you a bit about the atmosphere in Laoag city. This small city in northern Luzon is often overlooked, but anyone who visits the morning market will realize the extraordinary life here.Laoag morning marketYou will find a variety of local foods, fresh seafood, seasonal fruits, and fragrant street food that filled me up well before the trip. The city’s atmosphere remains simple and very local, perfect for those wanting to escape the hustle of big cities.

Getting ready before boarding at Laoag Airport

Laoag International Airport is not very large but comfortable and well-managed. I arrived early to check in and prepare for the flight. The airport atmosphere is less hectic than Manila’s main airports but has small shops and cafes to recharge. Before boarding, I spoke with friendly airport staff who provided detailed travel information.

The Laoag to Manila flight takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. It’s short but full of excitement because Manila is completely different from Laoag.

Manila: A city full of life and diversity

As soon as the plane landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, my feelings changed immediately. This city is bustling, densely populated, and colorful on every street corner. The capital’s chaos blends perfectly with local culture.

I chose to take a taxi from the airport to the city center. Traffic jams are normal but offer a chance to observe local life. The streets are filled with shops, fresh markets, and people constantly on the move.

Experience local culture and food in Manila

Upon arriving in Manila, I didn’t miss the chance to explore local markets and find traditional restaurants that reflect the city’s character. Filipino cuisine is diverse and flavorful, especially dishes made with fresh seafood and seasonal fruits and vegetables. I recommend tryingadoboandsisig— iconic Filipino dishes.

There are also flea markets and souvenir shops to stroll around leisurely. I previously wrote about this inMekong River Cruise in Laos 2: Raw and incomparable, Kha Mu local market deep in the forest by the Mekong River in LaosIf you enjoy local markets, you will better understand the differences and charm of each place.

Convenient travel and unforgettable experiences

For those planning to fly from Laoag to Manila, I recommend booking tickets in advance for better prices and suitable times. I booked through a local airline website offering direct flights. The planes are small to medium-sized, suitable for this route.

Besides convenience and speed, I enjoyed the view from the airplane window during the flight, which gave me a close look at the landscape and lifestyle of people in the Philippines.

Closing remarks from mr.hotsia

The journey from Laoag to Manila is a trip I highly recommend. You will experience the contrast between two types of cities: the simplicity of Laoag and the vibrancy of Manila. This route perfectly connects local life with the capital city.

If you want more details about traveling in the Philippines or want to read more about Laoag, check out previous articles likeBackpacking in the Philippines 5: Hotel breakfast in Laoag, PhilippinesOr if you like stories about life along the Mekong River, try readingMekong River Cruise in Laos 3: Tense moments fishing with large fish traps deep in the forest by the Mekong River in HongsaTake a look.

Finally, I wish everyone a fun trip full of great stories like those I experienced. See you in the next article. Goodbye!

Watch the video of the flight experience from Laoag to Manila here:
Backpacking in the Philippines 21: Traveling from Laoag to Manila flight Laoag to Manila