Greet as Vietnamese do 

Vietnam is a pretty conservative country, although the younger generation is more open to Western culture. How Vietnamese greet each other is among the things you should know before visiting Vietnam.  They generally greet each other by joining hands and bowing slightly. While shaking hands is common among men in formal settings, hugging is reserved in familiar settings like a family gathering. If you come across a Vietnamese elder among your co-passengers on flights to Ho Chi Minh City, bow slightly to greet him/her.

Don’t touch anyone on the head in Vietnam

Vietnam is home to Buddhist, Hindu, Confucian, and Taoist temples among holy sites. Inappropriate dressing is one of the things tourists must avoid in Vietnam while visiting any holy sites. Make sure your upper arms and legs are properly covered. Don’t forget to remove your shoes and any headwear before entering a holy place. Basic do’s and don’ts in Vietnam for tourists include – not touching anyone on the head. Further, avoid pointing the soles of your feet toward any person or Buddha statues there. This highly disrespectful gesture is against the Buddhist culture.

Avoid wearing white headbands and dark clothes

Your apparel choices may convey unintended meanings. Wearing a white headband is one of the things not to do in Vietnam, otherwise, locals are likely to assume that someone in your family has passed away, as this is standard funeral attire. To prevent such awkward moments, it is best to avoid wearing a white turban or headband in Vietnam. Similarly, wearing any dark colors, especially black, can signal that you are in a sombre or bad mood. Thus, do’s and don’ts in Vietnam for tourists include wearing colorful clothes and, ideally, local apparel to blend well with the locals.

Don’t misinterpret direct comments 

One of the things to know before traveling to Vietnam is that what is culturally inappropriate in the West is sort of a tradition in this Asian country. In Vietnam, it is normal to make observations about someone’s appearance as a way of showing care and acknowledging them. For Western visitors, this might be perceived as “blunt” remarks; however, this is largely a matter of cultural interpretation.

It’s quite common for locals to candidly comment on your weight, skin tone, or if you look tired. While this might be considered rude in many Western societies, in Vietnam, the motive is quite the opposite. So, if someone refers to you as “chubby,” “too skinny,” or “tired,” understand that no malice is intended, and simply take it in stride during your Vietnam trip. 

Avoid making “Fingers Crossed” sign in Vietnam 

The “fingers crossed” gesture – which is pretty common in the US and other countries – is one of the things not to do in Vietnam. If your host anticipates winning a lottery or hopes his child scores good marks in the exam, you may wish him good luck. But avoid making the “fingers crossed” sign, as it is considered highly impolite in Vietnam. If you are hoping for good fortune, good results, or good time, keep your hands separate. 

Mind Your Table Manners in Vietnam 

Typically, Vietnamese dine together in a group. Dishes are often shared, with each diner receiving a small rice bowl and chopsticks. Chopstick manners are significant among the do’s and don’ts for tourists in Vietnam. Make sure you do not leave your chopsticks standing upright, dug into the bowl. This gesture is primarily associated with the use of incense sticks during death rituals and can be seen as inviting bad luck.

When passing a dish, always use both hands or your right hand (your left hand is generally considered less clean). If you are enjoying soup, hold the spoon in your left hand. Furthermore, in social settings, the person who extended the invitation typically pays the bill. Otherwise, the most senior individual at the table normally takes care of it. So, one of the important tips for tourists in Vietnam is – do not be adamant about paying the bill; it might be taken as a lack of courtesy.

Don’t expect free napkins in Vietnam 

You may be used to the waiter getting you unlimited napkins and may even expect them on flights to Hanoi, but wasting napkins is among the things you should not do in Vietnam. While iced tea or jasmine tea is often provided free of charge once you order, each napkin generally costs around VND 2000 or VND 3000. Waiters may also subtly keep track of how many you use by lingering around your table.

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Check out the 10 best airlines to fly to China from USA in 2025 and 2026. The list is curated considering a number of factors, like budget, nonstop travel, one-stop transit, layover tours, transit visa, onboard seating, inflight facilities, etc.

EVA Air

On the list of top US to China airlines, EVA Air is one of the 10 safest full-service carriers, according to 2025 AirlineRatings. As part of Star Alliance, EVA Air flights from US to China are operated from major American gateways like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Houston, Chicago, and New York via its hub airport in Taiwan.

For a comfortable long-haul journey, EVA Air provides a range of cabin experiences. Their top-tier Royal Laurel Class (Business Class) features lie-flat seats, exquisite dining with a selection of exclusive wines, and branded amenity kits, along with access to VIP lounges. EVA Air’s Premium Economy Class is an award-winning product, which offers industry-best seats with 42-inch pitch, a “cradle motion” recline mechanism, and enhanced entertainment systems.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines’ nonstop US to China service comprises flights to Shanghai from Los Angeles, Seattle, and Detroit, Michigan. Delta and China Eastern have partnered to enhance travel options, operating nine routes between China and USA. Delta covers over 250 US domestic destinations, and China Eastern offers flights to 145 destinations across China and Hong Kong, flying customers out to a larger network with better flexibility and more choices.

Delta Air Lines offers complimentary Starbucks service onboard and Chinese meals that can be pre-reserved 24 hours in advance. For enhanced in-flight experience, Delta One® offers Westin Heavenly® In-Flight Bedding and TUMI amenity kits with Kiehl’s Since 1851® Deluxe skin care products, along with loungewear.

United Airlines 

United Airlines’ US-China network for 2025-2026 includes daily nonstop flights from Chicago and Newark to both Beijing and Shanghai, in addition to Newark-Hong Kong and San Francisco-Chengdu. United Airlines flights from the US to China are especially appealing to business class travelers. United offers the luxurious United Polaris® Business Class, featuring lie-flat seats, bespoke dining, premium bedding, and exclusive Polaris Lounge access.

United also prioritizes family travel with Family Seating assistance, ensuring children under 12 can sit next to an accompanying adult at no extra charge. United Airlines’ interline and codeshare partnership with Air China enhances connectivity for United passengers to their final destinations from the primary gateway cities in China.

American Airlines

Among the best airlines to fly to China from USA, American Airlines’ Dallas to China flights are in demand throughout the year. Check out iEagle.com for budget flight tickets to Shanghai and Beijing from the US. Though American Airlines directly flies to Shanghai, its strategic relationship and codeshare partnership with China Southern Airlines provides seamless access to a broad network beyond Shanghai in China.

American offers its premium Flagship® Business experience. This includes lie-flat seats, a comprehensive free entertainment selection, and access to exclusive Flagship® Lounges, ensuring an elevated pre-flight and in-flight journey. Recognizing the importance of cultural comfort, American also staffs its transpacific routes with Chinese-speaking flight attendants.

Furthermore, to streamline the departure experience, eligible AAdvantage members can utilize American Airlines’ TSA PreCheck Touchless ID lanes. This innovative service offers expedited, contactless security screening at participating US airports, leveraging facial recognition technology for efficiency.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific flights from US to Hong Kong further connect to mainland China, including major cities like Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Chengdu (TFU), Chongqing (CKG), and Guangzhou (CAN), owing to its extensive intra-Asia network as a founding member of the Oneworld Alliance. Cathay Pacific offers premium cabin options, notably the new “Aria Suite” on select Boeing 777-300ERs for greater personal space, comfortable seating, and an upgraded dining experience with selections like prosecco and dishes from renowned restaurant partners.

In 2025, the Skytrax World Airline Awards ranked Cathay Pacific among top three airlines globally, and also adjudged it as “World’s Best Economy Class Airline” for the second consecutive year. Cathay Pacific bagged the “World’s Best Inflight Entertainment” award for its state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system, which includes 4K content and a wide array of movies, TV shows, and music, frequently updated with new titles including Disney+ Originals.

Air China

Air China is one of the best airlines for nonstop flights from USA to China. The People’s Republic of China operates daily flights to Beijing and Shanghai from major US cities – Washington D.C., New York, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

On Air China flights, travelers experience a genuine taste of Chinese hospitality and culture from the moment they step onboard. For families, Air China supports family check-in for adults traveling with 1-2 children on the same booking and offers pre-select special meals for children and infants. Premium passengers enjoy special services, like complimentary chauffeured car transfers in select Chinese cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) and personal escort services at Beijing Capital Airport (T3).

China Eastern

Among the top 10 airlines operating between US and China, China Eastern Airlines has nonstop flights to Shanghai Pudong from Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. As one of China’s largest carriers, China Eastern also provides onward connections from Shanghai to over 145 destinations across mainland China and Hong Kong. Furthermore, its partnership with Delta Air Lines enables passengers from China to travel beyond New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

On China Eastern Airlines flights, Business Class passengers can expect larger, often reverse herringbone lie-flat seats with in-built massage features, individual interactive entertainment systems, and laptop power points. China Eastern also provides special meals for dietary requirements (pre-orderable) and offers assistance for family travelers with infants or young children, and passengers with disabilities.

China Southern

You can book China Southern’s nonstop US-China flights to Guangzhou (CAN) from Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. The airline deploys mostly moder Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A330s for these long-haul routes.

For families, China Southern allows children aged two and above to occupy seats at a corresponding child fare, and outlines policies for the carriage of infants and unaccompanied minors (from 5 to under 12 years old, with prior arrangement). This Chinese Airline has codeshare agreements with other international carriers like American Airlines and Qatar Airways offering integrated travel with reciprocal mileage earning and redemption opportunities.

The post What are Best Airlines to Fly to China from USA? Top 10 Picks for Your Travel between USA and China appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

As per a report in the fiscal 2022, CBP confiscated more than 25 million forged goods from international travelers flying into the US. This suggests how serious the penalties can be if a passenger bypasses the rules of the CBP.

The CBP has intensified the enforcement efforts at the US airports to nullify the inflow of counterfeit items. As soon as the products of international brands are found to be fake, they are not only seized but also destroyed. There were quite a few instances where travelers have had goods confiscated upon investigation by the CBP officers.   

In one of the recent incidents at a US airport, a South Asian traveler was stopped and questioned about the brand authenticity of some items that he had bought for his family members in the US. The items were seized for having a fake brand label. Although he tried to get back the seized items, he suffered a loss to evade further penalties.

Counterfeit goods are prevalent globally, with major hubs in Asia. In China, key markets include the Silk Market and Han City in Shanghai, as well as the Garment Wholesale Center and AP Plaza. The Greenhills Shopping Center in Manila serves as a significant market in the Philippines, while South Korea’s Dongdaemun Saebit Market is notable for counterfeit products. These locations are known for selling a wide range of counterfeit items, posing challenges to intellectual property enforcement and consumer protection efforts.

So, to avoid facing any sort of penalty, let’s get well-informed about the US regulations for travelers with counterfeit brand items?

CBP allows travelers to carry only one counterfeit good of each apparel and accessory for personal use. Carrying more than one fake piece per category like shirts, handbags, shoes, wristwatches, is deemed to be an act of non-compliance of the CBP regulations that can lead to some serious consequences.

One of the recent reports suggest that the global market for counterfeit luxury items is estimated to be $4.2 trillion. The increased inspection at the US airports is in line with the efforts to safeguard intellectual property rights (IPR) of international brands, specifically those based in the US. 

In essence, the major intention of such heightened investigation is to enhance the safety, economy, security and mitigate environmental risks posed by the forged goods flowing into the US.

The post Traveling to USA with Counterfeit Brand Items? Check Regulations to Evade Seizure of Items or Penalties on Your Arrival appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Imagine a scene where you find yourself in a state of euphoria, enveloped with harmony and rowing down a lake covered with alluring pink water lilies. Thailand houses one such lake – the Nong Han Kumphawapi lake in the Northeastern province of Udon Thani, one among the many must-visit tourist hotspots in Thailand.

One of the most important wetlands in Thailand, the Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake is spread across an area of 36 square kilometers (8,895 acres) and is covered with millions of pink water lilies. Apart from pleasing the locals’ senses, the lake also provides abundant freshwater, not just for agriculture but for drinking as well. This Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake covers most of the Kumphawapi district and a few parts of Prachaksinlapakhomand and Ku Kaeo districts. 

Location:

The Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake is situated North of the Kumphawapi district in the Udon Thani Province. You can gain access to the lake from the Ban Diam village, which is South of Prajak Sinlapakhom town. 

Best time to visit:

October to March is the best time to visit the Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake as the full bloom of the lilies is a most spectacular sight to behold this time. From 6 AM to 11 Am every day, the water lilies bloom completely, spreading their petals and radiating a vibrant pink color; this is also the best time to experience this breathtaking phenomenon, which is one among the many must-visit places in Thailand.

If you are a photographer, you can’t afford to miss clicking pictures of not only the blooming lilies but also a variety of birds and aquatic animals – which is one of the best things to do in Thailand.

Getting around the Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake:

Rentals boats can be availed from the following piers – Ban Don Kong and Ban Khon Sai in Kumphawapi district; Ban Diem, Chiang Wae and Ban Chaelae in Prachaksinlapakhom district, and Ban Non-Nam Yoi in Ku Kaeo district. 

A small boat that holds around two to three people can be availed for 100 Thai Baht ($3.21) per person. On the other hand, tourists can avail a bigger boat that has the capacity to hold around 10 to 12 people can be availed for 300 Thai Baht ($9.64) for one hour or 500 Thai Baht ($16.07) for two hours.

Thailand’s Tourism Ministry believes that the pink water lilies in the Nong Han Kumphawapi lake would act as a catalyst in wooing not just local tourists but international tourists as well. And so, they’ve laid out an open invitation asking tourists from across the world to come and experience the heavenly scenery. Mrs. Pawana Prajit, the Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Udon Thani office stated that every tourist across the world must get an opportunity to experience nature’s beautiful gift to Thailand – the Nong Han Kumphawapi lake, which is one of the many tourist places in Thailand.

Udon Thani’s connection with History:

In the meantime, an exciting fact for history buffs – the Udon Thani region is also famous for its archeological wonders. The bronze artifacts discovered around the Ban Chiang village dates back to early 3600 to 4000 BC, i.e., these artifacts are around a thousand years older than the Indus Valley Civilization. Exploring the artifacts at the Ban Chiang World Heritage site is also one among the list of things to do in Thailand.

If you plan on touring Thailand, don’t you worry! iEagle has got you covered with cheap flights to Thailand.

The post Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake in Thailand: Romance Nature while Boating amidst Pink Water Lilies appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

1. Don’t touch monks in Thailand 

Monks are one of the most highly respected people in Thailand, which is why you should make sure that your actions or words do not displease them. The things not to do in Thailand include making any form of physical contact with monks; especially if you are a woman, as monks are not allowed to touch women. If touched by a woman, monks are required to perform a lengthy cleansing process.

You might even see a few monks exiting an internet cafe or playing games on their phones. However, if a monk approaches you – do not panic! But take advantage of the conversation as this might be your chance to know about their daily life in a temple or anything else that interests you. Another rule in the list of things to avoid in Thailand as a tourist is taking too much interest in their personal lives as it might displease them. Moreover, you should not place yourself in a position above a monk’s. For instance, if a monk is seated, do not stand near them as it puts you in a higher position when you are standing up.

2. Don’t badmouth Thailand’s royal family

Everyone might have their personal opinions, be it about politics or the royal family. You should refrain from sharing your personal opinions in Thailand when it comes to the royal family. Anyone who defames or threatens the king, the queen, the heir-apparent or the regent will be punished with a jail term of three to 15 years. Furthermore, even stomping on a Thai coin is considered impolite as coins display images of Thailand’s royal family members and their ancestors. Make sure to read the list of things not to do in Thailand as a tourist before booking your flight to Bangkok, Thailand from SFO, USA.   

3. Don’t touch people’s heads in Thailand 

Back in your country, you might be used to pat or touch someone’s head to show affection. But when it comes to knowing things to avoid in Thailand, one of the most important things to remember is that you refrain from touching anyone’s head as the head is considered the holiest part of the body. Just like the Thai people, the Chinese consider it disrespectful when you pat or touch their heads. You can learn more about such things to avoid in China. 

4. Don’t point your finger or foot at anyone 

The moment you land in Thailand from your flight to Phuket from the USA, or any other port of entry, the first and foremost thing you should remember is to not point your finger at anyone, even while calling for a taxi. Moreover, sitting with your foot pointed at someone is considered as disrespectful. It is because the Thai people consider the head as the holiest part of the body and the foot as the dirtiest part. The things not to do in Thailand with your foot also include stepping on the Thai currency and holding a door with your foot.

5. Don’t wear shoes or slippers everywhere

The Thai people have their own customs and traditions and you must know what not to do in Thailand as a tourist, to make sure that you don’t violate anything. Back in your country, you might be used to wearing slippers or shoes everywhere but most homes, temples, restaurants, and shops in Thailand consider it inappropriate. When you see pairs of slippers left outside the main entrance of place in Thailand, do make sure to remove yours before you step into the place.

6. Don’t be careless around Buddha statues

Before booking your flight to Chiang Mai or any other Thai destination, you should know that more than 90% of the people in Thailand practice Buddhism and they highly respect the Buddha in any form. Along with the other things not to do in Thailand, make sure you respect Buddha statues and follow the local customs. While taking pictures of any Buddha statue, people are not allowed to lean on the statue or imitate the pose as it is considered disrespectful.

7. Don’t overstay your visa in Thailand

One of the most obvious things to know before visiting Thailand is not to overstay the duration of your visa. However, if you do, you’ll be fined up to a maximum of 20,000 Baht and on failing to pay the fine, you could be jailed. In addition, Thai immigration can also ban you from entering Thailand for up to 10 years based on the number of days you’ve overstayed.

Along with the things to know before visiting Thailand, Fly High also brings you much more information about other tourist destinations across the world. Fly High is a subsidiary of iEagle Travel, a leading international travel organization booking cheap flights to Thailand from USA.

The post Things to Know before Visiting Thailand: 7 Things not to Do in Thailand as a Tourist appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

1. Don’t talk about politically sensitive or uncomfortable topics

The Chinese are often uncomfortable discussing political topics, religious policies, territorial and economic conflicts with foreigners as there are chances it may cause embarrassment to their country. Refrain from talking about death or mentioning a person who has recently passed away as it is a quite serious topic to Chinese. Talking about politically sensitive or uncomfortable topics stands as one of the most important in the list of what not to do in China as a tourist.

2. Don’t disrespect the customs of minorities and temples

With around 55 minority groups in China, they have their own traditions and customs. They do not allow anyone to touch the objects related to their ancestors and worship. It is also important to remove your hat, sunglasses, and shoes before entering temples in China. Pointing your finger at the statues and stepping on the doorsills is also one of the things not to do in China.

3. Don’t make personal contacts such as hug or kiss

The Chinese are considered to be less affectionate and most of them consider handshakes, hugs, and kisses unnatural; so it is best to just greet them verbally or with a slight nod instead. Owing to traditions and religions, the Chinese consider the head more sacred than other parts of the body. Do remember while in China that a touch or a pat on the head could be considered disrespectful.

4. Don’t forget table manners while using chopsticks

If you are planning on using a pair of chopsticks in China, do not forget its etiquette. The Chinese believe that chopsticks are only used to eat and not to point at anything. Don’t place chopsticks inside a bowl after your meals; rather place it on the top. Messing up the chopstick etiquette is on the list of things not to do in China as a tourist.

5. Don’t just rely on your credit card

The Chinese rarely use credit cards; however, they prefer mobile and cash payments. If you go on a shopping spree in China, relying solely on a credit card might turn out a disaster. It is better to install an application like WeChat, which they frequently use for payments.

6. Don’t use unlicensed transport services

It is usually not recommended that you board an unlicensed taxi as most of the drivers lack English knowledge. The most reliable means of transport are public busses or taxis operated by legal companies with their name on the doors. Licensed taxi drivers use a meter to calculate the fare; this will save you the trouble from getting ripped off. So from the list of things not to do in China, make sure you choose the proper means of travel for a hassle free journey.

7. Never show up empty-handed

The Chinese are habituated to exchanging small gifts frequently and not just on special occasions. For instance, if you are dining at a person’s house or attending a pre-planned meeting, do make sure to take a gift along as a goodwill gesture or a token of friendship. Ignoring the social etiquette is also on the list of things not to do in China. You won’t be penalized or punished for not exchanging gifts though.

8. Refrain from tipping in places that also serve Chinese people

The Chinese do not follow practice of tipping in return for any service provided to them. When you tip the restaurant staff or bellmen, they might eventually return the money back in a state of confusion. In order to refrain from putting yourself in an awkward situation, make sure to restrain your generous tipping nature.

Also Know: 7 Things not to Do in Thailand as a Tourist

9. Keep a VPN handy while traveling to China

When you are in China, do not forget that their firewall blocks multiple sites including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. However, to access these sites you’ll need a VPN. While purchasing a VPN, do not forget to check if it covers China as well.

10. Remember to take your own toilet paper

Except star-rated hotels in China, many other places do not provide toilet paper in restrooms. While traveling to supermarkets or on trains, you might find tissue dispensers but with nothing inside them. Believe it or not, no one likes to get stranded inside restrooms without toilet papers in times of emergency. Luckily for you, local shops sell packets of tissues for cheap prices, so make sure to grab one.

Along with the list of what not to do in China as a tourist, Fly High also brings you much more information about other tourist destinations across the world. Fly High is a subsidiary of iEagle Travel, a leading international travel organization booking cheap flights on Air China, Cathay Pacific and other major airlines.

The post What to Know before You Visit China: 10 Things not to Do as a Tourist appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.