Explore Southeast Asia’s longest cavern in Vietnam’s Central Highlands
Monday, July 24, 2023, 10:00 GMT+7
The Dak Nong Geopark, which spans five districts and one town in Dak Nong Province, located in Vietnam's Central Highlands region, is home to the largest volcanic cavern system in Southeast Asia.
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.
Besides, caves C6 and C6-1 are not just geoheritage sites, as scientists unearthed the remains of prehistoric humans as well as three burial relics with many cultural layers dating back to 6,000-7,000 years ago there.
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| Cave C7, a tubular cave measuring over one kilometer long, was recognized as the longest and most spectacular cave in Southeast Asia. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
Archeologists carried out the excavations and discovered many archeological remains and artifacts such as stone tools, pieces of pottery, bones, and traces of wood-burning stoves, among others in the caves.
Cave C6-1 recently was recognized as Vietnam's national relic site.
Scientists said that the system is home to more than 100 caves of various sizes, adding that five craters have been discovered, namely Nam Dong and Bang Mo in Cu Jut, Nam Blang and Nam Kar in Krong No, and Nam Gle in Dak Mil.
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| People are seen in a cave system in Krong No District, Dak Nong Province, located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| The volcanic cavern system in Dak Nong Province in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region boasts unique geological features and shapes. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| A photo shows features of a typical volcanic eruption such as lava lines and sinkholes. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| Cavers explore the volcanic cavern system in Dak Nong Province in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| Cavers use rope ladders to enter some caves located deep inside the volcanic cavern system in Dak Nong Province in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| The Nam Kar volcanic cave in Krong No District is one of the five craters in the volcanic cavern system in Dak Nong Province in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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