Hiking is the most popular way to explore around Sapa, and it’s easy to see why. All you need is a comfortable pair of walking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness. Take a look at the following points to see if hiking fits the bill.

• Hiking is the most flexible way to explore the scenery, with options ranging from a few hours to a few days. If you have your heart set on tours spanning two or more days, hiking is far and away the best option. An added bonus to multi-day hikes is staying in charming homestays along the way, where you can get a glimpse of the local way of life.

• Hiking is also the best way to absorb the different types of Sapa scenery, with trails that pass through the thick jungles, rice terraces, and villages. It’s easy to miss the details on a bicycle, motorbike, or by car. But with your own two feet and nothing else, you’ll be able to take it all in. If you’re a keen photographer, you’ll find hiking tours offer the best shots, too.

• You’re also likely to learn more during a hiking tour. Many guides are from the local ethnic minority groups and they speak excellent English, as well as some other languages too! They’re happy to answer questions about their culture and way of life, and they’ll also be able to give insight into the other ethnic groups. Moving slowly allows more time to learn from the different minority groups you visit, such as how the Dzao forage for medicinal herbs on the highest slopes or why the Tay live in stilt houses near water.

• If you’re traveling with kids and they like (or at least don’t hate) walking, then hiking tours will be safer than cycling, and more fun than traveling by car. Arranging easy, child-friendly hiking trails is simple around Sapa. Just remember to be clear and honest about the levels of fitness (and interest) of your kids.