The People’s Committee of Krong No District in Dak Nong Province, located in Vietnam's Central Highlands region, has issued a ban on unauthorized access to the volcanic caves within the UNESCO Global Geopark following the death of a tourist inside Cave C7.

Tran Dang Anh, vice-chairman of the Krong No People’s Committee, announced on Thursday evening that local residents and tourists are now strictly prohibited from entering the volcanic caves without official permission. 

Tourism management units were directed to tighten control and prevent unaccompanied exploration.

The move came in response to a fatal incident on Wednesday involving a 38-year-old tourist from Ho Chi Minh City. 

According to local officials, the man fell into a deep pit inside Cave C7 while attempting to explore the cave without a professional guide.

Anh said that the district had previously issued multiple warnings and official notices prohibiting unsupervised cave visits. 

Warning signs have been posted throughout the area, but violations have continued despite these efforts.

“The caves are extremely dangerous and have not been opened to the public for tourism,” Anh said, adding that strict sanctions will be imposed on individuals who violate the newly reinforced rules.

Besides, the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has conducted numerous public awareness campaigns to caution visitors against solo expeditions into the cave system.

Stretching hundreds to thousands of meters, the volcanic caves in Krong No feature complex, rugged terrain with multiple branches and deep vertical sinkholes. 

Tourists are advised to join tours led by professional tour guides, especially when visiting potentially hazardous destinations.

The geopark was recognized by UNESCO as a global geopark in 2020, covering 4,700 square kilometers of Gia Nghia Town and Krong No, Cu Jut, Dak Mil, Dak Song, and Dak Glong Districts. 

The geopark features special characteristics in terms of geology, archeology, culture, and biodiversity in the upland region.

Mostly located in Krong No District, the cave system in basalt stones was discovered in the geopark in 2007 and considered its highlight.

Inside the cavern system, the C7, a tubular cavern measuring over one kilometer long, was recognized as the longest and most spectacular cave in Southeast Asia, according to the Japan Caving Association.

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