The most beautiful volcanic cave in Southeast Asia has been discovered in the Central Highlands.

According to information from the General Department of Geology and Minerals (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), after more than 5 years of research, scientists from the Japan Cave Society have discovered the largest volcanic cave system in Southeast Asia in the Central Highlands region. This is considered a unique natural heritage resulting from volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.

Nguom Ngao Cave - an attractive tourist destination in Cao Bang. (Illustrative image. Source: VNA)

Speaking with a Vietnam+ reporter this morning (December 23), Mr. Nguyen Van Thuan, Director General of the General Department of Geology and Minerals, said that Vietnam has a very rich cave system stretching from the Northwest region to Quang Binh, creating many natural wonders known to the world such as Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Ha Long Bay, and Tam Coc-Bich Dong.

However, the caves discovered recently are limestone caves. The volcanic caves in basalt rock recently discovered in the Central Highlands, however, are a rare cave system comprising dozens of caves and craters formed from lava eruptions millions of years ago.

This volcanic cave system was discovered in Dak Nong province, mainly in Krong No district. The system has a total length of approximately 25km, extending from the volcanic crater at Buon Choar along the Serepok River to the Dray Sap waterfall area, comprising dozens of caves of varying sizes.

The largest of these caves is 1,066 meters long and thousands of meters wide inside, boasting a unique and characteristic volcanic cave structure with upward-flowing lava, creating a magnificent landscape. Located deep in the forest, this cave shows no signs of human habitation but is home to many animal species.

Besides the caves, researchers from the General Department of Geology and Mineral Resources and the Japan Cave Society have also discovered many beautiful volcanic craters. Currently, scientists have measured three caves in detail. In addition, there are dozens of other caves that have not yet been thoroughly studied.

"Compared to some limestone and volcanic caves in other countries around the world, such as the Manjanggul Lava Cave on Jeju Island—a symbol of Korean tourism—the volcanic cave system in the Central Highlands is much larger and more attractive. This cave has also been rated by the Japan Cave Society as the most beautiful in the region and is very valuable from a scientific and tourism perspective," Mr. Thuan said.

The Director General of the General Department of Geology and Minerals stated that volcanic cave systems are rare in the world and are of great tourism value. With what has been discovered, the Central Highlands could become an attractive destination for scientists, tourists, and those wishing to explore the legacy of the rarest volcanic eruptions in Southeast Asia.

The General Department of Geology and Minerals is expected to announce the discovery of this volcanic cave system on December 26th. Based on this, they will mobilize additional investors and funding for further research. After the research is completed, they will announce the findings to the world and promote the establishment of a global geopark.

According to Vietnam+