It cost 15 US for a hike through nearby villages with a guide or you can do a homestay for 20-30 US. There are heaps of places in Sapa to buy "North Face" gear such as backpacks, hiking boots and other outdoor gear. If you buy any "North Face" negotiate like mad as it is not real North Face. You can hire a local guide on your own or through the hotel/hostel. The hike I did was 12 K and a bus picked you up at the end of the day. Make sure you do bring lots of water with you!! Along the route there was one stop where you could buy snacks and drinks and we did stop for lunch (lunch was included in the cost). Our guide was a girl from the village she was 18 years old who had been doing this for the past 2 years. The views are quite stunning which you can see below.
The hike is not a very difficult one but I also spend a lot of time hiking in the rocky mountains in Alberta & British Columbia Canada. The first part of the hike is downhill over some areas that can be quite difficult and slippery depending on when it last rained. As you hike along there will be a lot of ladies from the village with you and, are more than willing to help you down the slippery slopes if you need. Once you stop for lunch of course those ladies will then be looking to make a sale. Along the route there will be young girls trying to sell you bracelets and they will push you hard and have the sad puppy dog looks. I felt it would not be worth doing a homestay as I don't feel it would be authentic but that is just my opinion.
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Tuna Tom
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