Vigan is an island which is separated from the mainland by three bodies of water: the Abra River, the Mestizo River, and the Govantes River. The city is unique in the Philippines because it is one of many extensive surviving Philippine historic cities, dating back to the 16th century. Vigan was a coastal trading post long before the Spaniards arrived; [...]

The area of Vigan was originally a settlement of traders coming from the Fujian Province, China. At the time of Spanish colonisation, the Chinese settlers, whose language was Southern Fujianese (Min Nan, often referred to as “Hokkien” by most Filipinos), referred to the area as “Bee Gan” (美岸 ; Mandarin pinyin: Měi Àn), which means “Beautiful Shore.” Since the Castillian [...]

A fun throwback to colonial days is the calesa horse-drawn carriages that still clip-clop through Vigan’s streets. Rates for calesa rides should be the same as those for the many tricycles (P8-P10 within the city limits) that will undoubtedly by vying for your custom. But you could also hire a private calesa for around Php150 per hour. The Mestizo District [...]

Travelling by bus or car It’s seven to ten hours’ drive along the scenic Ilocos Highway from Manila to Vigan. Partas Bus Co., Dominion Bus Lines, Viron Transit, and St. Joseph/Aniceto Transit have regular buses going directly to Vigan. Bus lines like Philippine Rabbit Bus Line, Farinas Transit, Maria de Leon, and RCJ Transit have regular buses plying the Manila-Laoag [...]

You can obtain a very informative map from the Vigan Heritage Village Center located along the Crisologo Street. They usually give it away for free.  The map provides concise information on the locations of the places of interests, dining, entertainment, and accommodations.