Vigan

Vigan, on the northwest coast of Luzon, is the best-preserved Spanish colonial town in Asia, a UNESCO gem that survived the wars intact. Its atmospheric heart, Calle Crisologo, is a cobbled street lined with grand old merchant mansions of brick, wood and capiz-shell windows, blending Spanish, Chinese and Filipino styles. Horse-drawn kalesa carriages still clatter through, and by night, lit by lanterns, it feels like a step back in time.

What you actually see

• Calle Crisologo - the cobbled street of grand colonial mansions.
• The kalesa rides - the horse-drawn carriages through the old town.
• The old mansions - the ancestral houses, some open as museums.
• The cathedral and plaza - the colonial church and square.

When to go

December to May, the dry season, for the best weather; the cooler months are most pleasant. Calle Crisologo is especially atmospheric in the early morning before the crowds and, lit by lanterns, in the evening.

Honest expectations

It is a long journey from Manila, an overnight bus or a flight and drive, so it takes commitment to reach. The main street is touristy, lined with souvenir shops, and can be busy with domestic tourists; early morning and evening are the most atmospheric. It is small, seen in a day, but a genuine and rare colonial survivor.

Nearby

The dunes of Ilocos and the Spanish churches of the region are nearby.