Laoag City is the capital of Ilocos Norte. It is bound by Vintar, Bacarra , the Luzon Sea , Sarrat, San Nicolas and Paoay . Flourishing along the bank of the Laoag City River , it is 488 kilometers north of Manila .

Laoag City is the prime commercial center of Ilocos Norte, drawing major companies, banks and other businesses to set up branches and offices in the city. Medical services, telecommunications and educational institutions have helped make Laoag City a regional economic center.

At the core of Laoag City's massive grid-planned urban area is the main city plaza, a public space dedicated solely to the functions of the state and linked to Southern Ilocandia by a bridge which spans the Laoag City River and sets a dramatic approach to the city.

One of the best ways to get to know Ilocano culuture (if you do not have the luxury of time to go around the entire province) is by visiting Gameng: Museo Ilocos Norte . The Museum is about a block away from the town plaza and is housed in a restored tabacalera, a factory of sorts for tobacco back in the Spanish era.