I’ve just wrapped up a week wandering through northern Vietnam, and I can’t stop smiling. The highlight? A dawn hike in Sapa. The mist was so thick at 5 AM that I could barely see my own boots, but after a steep climb, it cleared just in time for sunrise. I ended up chatting with a local family I met along the trail—my broken Vietnamese and their bits of English made for a hilarious and heartwarming exchange. Tonight I’m staying in a minimalist hostel dorm with a view of the mountains. I spent less on my room tonight than on a fancy coffee back home. If you’re traveling on a budget, look for guesthouses run by families—often the owners are happy to point out hidden viewpoints and the best street food in town. Experiences like these are proof that the best stories come from stepping off the beaten path.