Discover the most beautiful volcanic cave in Southeast Asia

After seven years of research, scientists of the General Department of Geology & Minerals and the Japan Cave Association have discovered the largest volcanic cave system in Southeast Asia in the Central Highlands - unique natural heritage of volcanic eruption millions of years ago. This shock detection opens up a great tourism potential for the Central Highlands region.

First discovered

Mr. Nguyen Van Thuan, General Director of the General Department of Geology and Minerals said, Vietnam has a rich cave system stretching from the Northwest area to Quang Binh, creating many natural wonders known by the world. coming to Phong Nha - Ke Bang, Ha Long Bay, Tam Coc - Bich Dong.

However, it is a limestone cave . This is the first time we have discovered volcanic cave systems including caves and craters formed from lava eruption millions of years ago. 'Compared to limestone caves, volcanic caves in the world are much rarer and have a different flow structure , ' said Thuan.

Volcanic cave system in the Central Highlands was discovered in Dak Nong province, mainly in Krong No district. About 25km long from the crater at Choar village along the Serepoc river to the Dray Sap waterfall area with dozens of caves large and small. Mr. Thuan said, about three of the above caves have been measured in detail.

The largest cave has a length of up to 25,000m, inside thousands of meters wide, has a very unique structure and characteristic of volcanic cave with lava flow backward, creating a spectacular landscape. The cave is located in deep forest, has not recorded human traces but there are many animals living.

Besides the caves, many craters were discovered. According to Japanese scientists, this is the longest and most beautiful volcanic cave of Southeast Asia , very valuable in terms of science and tourism.

Officers of Dak Nong Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism explore a volcanic cave in a volcanic cave complex in Dak Nong

The survey of this area began in 2007 by scientists of the General Department of Geology and Minerals. Some information was originally posted in foreign journals. Some Japanese Cave Society scientists know about and spend money to organize surveys here. The research and survey process for many years shows that this is a large and extensive cave system with many caves and craters.

Planning into a global geopark

Manjanggul Lava volcanic cave on Jeju Island in Korea is a tourist symbol here and attracts a large number of tourists to this famous island.'I used to go to Manjanggul Lava cave. Compared to this cave, caves discovered in the Central Highlands are in no way inferior , 'Mr. Thuan said.

Now scientists can measure three caves in detail. It is expected that dozens of other caves have not been thoroughly studied. If it takes a few more years to complete the study of this volcanic cave system.

Also according to Mr. Thuan: 'Volcanic eruption activities in the Central Highlands occur in a large area. I discovered it randomly in this area but not except for other areas also have caves. If I have a comprehensive survey policy to establish a global geopark, there are many interesting things. '

On December 26, the General Department of Geology and Minerals will announce the discovery of this volcanic cave system. On that basis, more investors will be mobilized, funding for further research. After the research activity is finished, it will be announced to the world, promoting the creation of a global geopark.

'The volcanic cave system in the world is not much and very valuable for tourism'. "With what has been discovered, the Central Highlands can become an attractive destination for scientists, tourists who want to discover the legacy of volcanic eruption ," Thuan said.

According to Mr. Le Khac Ghi, Director of Dak Nong Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the volcanic cave system along the Serep river is located in the special-use forest area of ​​Dray Sap landscape. go.

Along with the existing waterfall system, the newly discovered cave system has the potential to develop eco-tourism in combination with culture, adventure tourism and discovery. Currently, Dak Nong People's Committee is cooperating with Vietnam Geological Museum to develop a plan for the cave system along the Serepoc river to become a global geopark.

Widely publicized

Tomorrow, the General Department of Geology and Minerals, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will hold a press conference to announce the discovery of the volcanic cave system in the Central Highlands. Two Japanese scientists will directly introduce the cave system.'This is really a very valuable discovery , ' said Mr. Thuan.