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Voykit pocket guide · Philippines
Bacnotan
Spend a day in Bacnotan for a quiet beach, market stroll and historic church; stay overnight only if you want a relaxed seaside night.
Bacnotan is a small coastal town in La Union, reachable by Manila North Road. Its main attractions are the Saint Michael the Archangel Church, a public market and a few beachside resorts. Tricycles are the only local transport, so a half‑day to a full day covers the sights; an extra night adds beach relaxation.
- Country
- Philippines
- Best months
- Dec–May
- Avoid
- Jun–Oct (rainy season)
- Stay
- 1 (optional) nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- PHP
- Money
- Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.
- Daily spend
- Budget ₱800–₱1,200 excl. bed · Mid ₱1,200–₱2,000 excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Globe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.
- Emergency
- Police 117 · Fire and ambulance 911
- Plugs
- Types A, B, C · 220 V · 60 Hz · US flat pins common; check your devices for 220 V.
- Tipping
- Restaurants: 10% if no service charge.; Grab / taxi: Round up.; Boat crew: ₱100–200 per tour.; Massage: ₱50–100.
- Water
- Not drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.
- Toilets
- Called 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee at a café | ₱80–₱150 |
| Fish grill (street) | ₱120–₱250 |
| Bottle of water (500 ml) | ₱20–₱35 |
| Tricycle ride (short, <2 km (1.2 mi))Tricycle ride (short, <1.2 mi (2 km)) | ₱30–₱50 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- LAO · Laoag International Airport
- about 2 h drive north via Route 2
Typical fares
- Manila North Road bus to Bacnotan
- about ₱400–₱600, 3–4 h (check)
- Tricycle within town
- ₱30–₱50 per short ride
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Tricycles are the main transport; hire a tricycle for short trips (5–10 min) to the beach or market.
See and do
Known for
- Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Church
- Beachside cafés
- Local market
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| San Juan, La Union | Tricycle or jeepney, about 15–20 min | About 30 min |
| Balaoan | Tricycle or jeepney, about 10–15 min | About 20 min |
| Luna | Tricycle or jeepney, about 20–25 min | About 40 min |
| San Fernando, La Union | Bus or jeepney, about 30–40 min | About 1 h |
| Bauang | Bus or jeepney, about 20–30 min | About 45 min |
Sleep
- La Playa Ursula
- Beachside resort in Poblacion
- Villa Victoria Resort
- Beach resort, Sitio Paratong
- Ocean Breeze Resort
- Baroro area, near beach
- The Reef House
- Balaoan‑Luna‑Bacnotan Road, quieter option
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Excuse me / Sorry | Pasensya napah-sen-syah nah |
| Thank you | Salamatsah-lah-mat |
| How much is this? | Magkano ito?mag-ka-no ee-toh |
| Where is the bathroom? | Saan ang banyo?saan ang bah-nyo |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Smile, handshake; 'po' to elders; avoid: Loud confrontation
- Beckoning: Palm down, wave; avoid: Palm up (used for animals)
- Invitations: Accept food offered or decline politely; avoid: Refusing bluntly
- Time: Expect 'Filipino time' socially; avoid: Lateness for flights and boats
- Churches: Covered clothes; avoid: Loud tours during Mass
Scams and watch-outs
- Buses on Manila North Road bypass the coastal barangays; use the junction in downtown Bacnotan to reach the beach.
- Rainy season can make coastal roads slippery; check local forecasts.
Generally safe for tourists; watch belongings on the beach and use licensed tricycles.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Bacnotan yet. Suggested stay: 1 (optional) nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Church
- Beachside cafés
- Local market
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Alpas La Union Facebook: www.facebook.com/p/ALPAS-La-Union-100085663310248/
- La Playa Ursula Facebook: www.facebook.com/laplayaursula/?locale=tl_PH
- Wikivoyage: Bacnotan, revision 5338428 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5338428
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/bacnotan). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.