A quicker, safer drive to the heritage city via NLEx

I NEVER realized it was possible to drive to Vigan in just six hours. Typically, the journey to this northern heritage city takes at least 10 hours for me. However, with a combination of well-maintained highways, a dependable vehicle, and the right departure time from Manila, reaching Vigan in six hours, even with stopovers, is now achievable.

This revelation was confirmed during the recent NLEX Lakbay Norte event organized by NLEX Corp. I joined a group of writers, vloggers, and content creators for a five-day discovery tour of the new destinations in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. Assembling at NLEX Corp. headquarters in Balintawak, we boarded five brand-new Chevrolet vehicles driven by NLEX staff, heading north through NLEx, SCTEx, TPLEx, and the national highway. Departing at midnight, the well-lit NLEx expressways covered more than half of the distance to Vigan, allowing us to arrive at our first destination six hours later, feeling safe and well-rested.

Calle Crisologo Over 70 rare and special Aston Martin models assembled at the Senso-ji Temple on Kinryuzan in Asakusa, Tokyo. Cafe Leona Giraffe feeding Calle Crisologo Hotel Luna

Contrastingly, the first Spanish mission from Manila to Vigan in 1572, led by Capt. Juan de Salcedo, took an arduous 24 days. Over the centuries, Vigan evolved from the bustling Bee Gan trading post to the Unesco-listed preserved example of Spanish colonial towns in Asia. In 2014, it earned recognition as one of the New Seven Wonder Cities.

How to reach Vigan in six hours

Vigan is 408 kilometers north of Manila, accessible through NLEx, SCTEx, TPLEx, with an exit from Rosario, La Union. Leaving Balintawak at midnight helps avoid common traffic caused by delivery trucks, tricycles, and jeepneys on the national road.

For those opting for the bus, Partas and Fariñas, with terminals in Cubao, offer daily trips taking around 10 hours, with a fare of approximately P900.

Hotel Luna interior A typical calesa

Exploring Vigan's rich heritage

A visit to Vigan transports you back to Ciudad de Fernandina, founded by Salcedo centuries ago. Wander cobblestone streets of Calle Crisologo, marvel at ancestral houses in the Mestizo district, and enjoy a