DECATUR - From visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Hoi An to sailing on a junk through 3,000 limestone outcroppings rising from Ha Long Bay, Richland Community College's spring trip will immerse participants in the culture of Vietnam.

Sponsored by the college's International Studies Program, the Cultures of Vietnam trip will depart May 22 and return June 1, with the nine days in between providing opportunities to travel from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City (the former Saigon) in the south.

Cost is $2,885 a person, based on double occupancy and 15 participants. Three hours of college credit are available for an additional tuition charge. The deadline for trip payment is March 12.

International Studies Director William Grieve said some Vietnam War-era veterans are interested in the trip.

"Those people could see what the country has become," said Grieve, a retired Richland history professor who specialized in Far East studies. "It's like China was 30 years ago. Economically, they're using the Chinese model. I call it creeping capitalism. Vietnam is encouraging foreign investors."

Vietnam is a beautiful country, and officials there are hoping it will become a tourist attraction, Grieve said.

History instructor Steve Austin will be co-leader of the trip with Joe Straka, associate professor of speech and drama.

Vietnam has been influenced by the cultures of China, India and France, Austin said. Among the sites tour participants will see are the Mekong Delta and the imperial city of Hue with the 13 tombs of the Nguyen emperors.

Anyone interested in more information or registration can contact Grieve at 875-7211, ext. 375, or Austin, ext. 392.

Ron Ingram can be reached at ringram@;herald review.com or 421-7973.