I'm lost and need help (in Wutai)

[Carl the Llama]

i can't even get out of Wutai lol. I just keep going round in circles on the map. I cross the bridge away from Wutai but can't seem to get back to my hover craft

You just have to keep trying I'm afraid, the Wutai area is reasonably complicated the first time you use it.

As for the pagoda side quest, its entirely optional (as is obtaining Yuffie in your team) but Yuffie is one of my favourite members as her ultimate weapon doesn't have its attack power reduced when using Morph.