Major city · 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.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PHP
- Best months
- Dec–May
- avoid Jun–Oct (rainy season)
- Airport
- LAO
- Nights
- 1 (optional)
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 5Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Philippines ↗Complete the free eTravel registration on the official government site within 72 hours before arrival; ignore lookalike sites that charge.
- Philippines ↗Typhoon season runs roughly June to November: flights and boats are cancelled at short notice; buy flexible tickets and keep a spare day.
- Philippines ↗Carry pesos in small notes; many stalls, jeepneys and taxis are cash-only.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Bacnotan117 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bacnotan, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.Philippines-wide
- SIM or eSIMGlobe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.Philippines-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.Philippines-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% if no service charge.Philippines-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Philippines-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe for tourists; watch belongings on the beach and use licensed tricycles.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsCalled 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.Philippines-wide
- Emergency numbers117 police · 911 fire and ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysHoly Week shuts much; malls open daily; banks closed weekends.Philippines-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLAO Laoag International Airport (about 2 h drive north via Route 2).
- Getting aroundTricycles are the main transport; hire a tricycle for short trips (5–10 min) to the beach or market.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a café₱80–₱150 (≈ US$2–3)
- Street or quick mealFish grill (street)₱120–₱250 (≈ US$3–5)
- Budget bedBasic guesthouse or dormitory, a night, per person₱600 (≈ US$11)
- Mid-range bedResort room (double), a night, per room₱2,500 (≈ US$45)
- High-end bedResort room (double), a night, per room₱4,000 (≈ US$75)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₱800 (≈ US$15) · Mid ₱1,500 (≈ US$30) · High ₱2,500 (≈ US$45)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LAO Laoag International Airport (about 2 h drive north via Route 2)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
May
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Dec–May. Avoid: Jun–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C) low), wettest Jul (14 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bacnotan: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
2 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
2 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
3 rd
Apr
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
5 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
8 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
13 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
11 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
6 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
3 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Tricycles are the main transport; hire a tricycle for short trips (5–10 min) to the beach or market.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30 min
Tricycle or jeepney, about 15–20 min
Surf beach and nightlife; go for a half-day.
Balaoan
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Tricycle or jeepney, about 10–15 min
Town market and church; quick visit.
Luna
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Tricycle or jeepney, about 20–25 min
Beach and rock formations; half-day trip.
San Fernando, La Union
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus or jeepney, about 30–40 min
Provincial capital with cathedral and market.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
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
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₱800–₱1,200 (≈ US$15–25) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₱1,200–₱2,000 (≈ US$25–40) excl. bed
Trip budget
| Basic guesthouse or dormitory1 × 1 night × ₱600 | ₱600 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × ₱800 | ₱800 |
| Tricycle ride (5 km)1 × ₱50 · check | ₱50 |
| eSIM data (7 days)1 × ₱1,200 · check | ₱1,200 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₱265 |
| Trip total≈ ₱2,915 per person per day, bed included | ₱2,915≈ US$55 |
check
2026 estimate in PHP; flights and inter‑island transport excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | ₱80–₱150 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Fish grill (street) | ₱120–₱250 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Bottle of water (500 ml) | ₱20–₱35 (≈ under US$1) |
| Tricycle ride (short, <2 km) | ₱30–₱50 (≈ under US$1) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- 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.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 117
- Fire and ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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BacnotanBacnotan
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Punta dito, pakiTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police117
- Fire and ambulance911
Embassy
US Embassy in Manila; consulate in Cebu (check address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Manila North Road bus to Bacnotan: about ₱400–₱600 (≈ US$8–11), 3–4 h (check)
- Tricycle within town: ₱30–₱50 (≈ under US$1) per short ride
Say or show
- Pasensya na — Excuse me / Sorry (pah-sen-syah nah)
- Salamat — Thank you (sah-lah-mat)
- Magkano ito? — How much is this? (mag-ka-no ee-toh)
- Saan ang banyo? — Where is the bathroom? (saan ang bah-nyo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bacnotan. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–May · avoid Jun–Oct (rainy season) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- secondaryAlpas La Union Facebook
- secondaryLa Playa Ursula Facebook
- secondaryWikivoyage: Bacnotan, revision 5338428 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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