If you’re close to Hanoi in mid-February, you should definitely join the thousands of Vietnamese on this pilgrimage, which has been going on for the past 600 years. The landscape couldn’t be more beautiful as you row up the calm Yen River past rice fields and limestone cliffs, and begin the (long) ascent past various temples to Huong Tich Cave, where flags, food offerings, statues, incense, and crowds mingle in a fantastic display of piety. Bonus: Bring a cute friend! The festival is seen as the perfect time to begin a romantic courtship.