Ilocos Norte, part of Ilocos Region (Region I), is located at the northwest corner of Luzon, bordering Cagayan and Apayao to the east and Abra and Ilocos Sur to the south. Its capital is Laoag City, and has a total area of 3,399.3 km².

Known for its cultural and natural scenery, Ilocos Norte is one of the most sought after tourist destinations here in the Philippines. For one, it is home for some of the country’s oldest and grandest churches. Among these are the Cathedral of St. William, and the Paoay Church which is now a part of UNESCO World Heritage List. Other renowned churches are located in Sarrat, Dingras, San Nicolas, Bacarra and Badoc.
Ilocos Norte is likewise distinguished as the birthplace of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos. As such, Batac houses the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum where the remains of the former President is preserved. Paoay, in addition, houses the majestic Malacañang of the North which is once a summer residence of the Marcoses. Another historical heritage of the province features the Juan Luna Shrine in Badoc, the former home of the famous painter Juan Luna.
Other historical structures and places in Ilocos Norte are: the Sinking Belltower in Laoag,; the Abolition of Tobacco Monopoly Monument; Ilocos Norte Capitol; Ilocandia Museum; and the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.
For its natural scenery, Ilocos Norte prides itself with remarkable beaches. The white sand beaches of Pagudpud, a place considered as the ‘Boracay of the North’, are Ilocos Norte’s best. Another would be the Fort Ilocandia which is an upper class beach resort famous among tourists. Aside from beaches, Ilocos Norte also has astonishing sand dunes located in La Paz and Suba. These places have been featured in some of local and international movies such as Nora Aunor’s ‘Himala’ and Tom Cruise’s ‘Born on the Fourth of July’.