Ilocos Norte Grand Tour — Paoay, Bangui Windmills & Pagudpud

Ilocos Norte is arguably the most historically rich and scenically dramatic province in northern Luzon, and this grand tour packs in all its icons in a single action-packed day. You'll start at Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1704 whose massive earthquake-proof buttresses are unlike anything else in Asia — arrive early for golden-light photos with no crowds.

From Paoay the van winds north to the coastline where Bangui Windmills march along a black-sand shore with the South China Sea behind them. The 40 steel turbines stretching for 2 km are one of the Philippines' most photographed landscapes. Continue to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (1892), perched on Burgos Hill — the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Southeast Asia — for sweeping views of the Luzon Strait.

The afternoon reward is Pagudpud, nicknamed the "Boracay of the North." Saud Beach's turquoise water and gentle waves make it ideal for a swim before the sunset drive home. En route you'll also stop at the surreal Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, white limestone sculpted by wind and wave into natural arches and caves that glow almost neon against the blue ocean. Hotel drop-off is back in Laoag by early evening, leaving time for the city's famous bagnet dinner.