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Home/Countries/Vietnam/Nature & outdoors/Krong No Volcanic Caves

Krong No Volcanic Caves

The longest lava tube system in South East Asia, found in 2007, with prehistoric burials inside it.

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Typelava caves
WhereDak Nong Province
Nearest cityKrong No about 15 km; Buon Ma Thuot about 60 km
Best seasonNovember to April
Time to allowA full day
Getting thereRoads in Krong No district; access to the caves is with the geopark and guides
EntryArranged through the geopark

A Japanese and Vietnamese survey team confirmed in the 2010s what had been found in 2007 near Chu Bluk: a system of lava tubes running for several kilometres through basalt in Dak Nong, the longest such system known in South East Asia, formed by flows from the Chu Bluk volcano some hundreds of thousands of years ago. Excavation in one of the caves has since produced human remains, tools and hearths dating back several thousand years - the first evidence anywhere in South East Asia of prehistoric people living inside volcanic caves. The system is part of the Dak Nong UNESCO global geopark.

What you actually see

  • The longest lava tubes in South East Asia - several kilometres through basalt.
  • Confirmed by survey in the 2010s - after being found in 2007.
  • Prehistoric burials and hearths - the first such finds in volcanic caves here.
  • Part of the Dak Nong geopark - a UNESCO global geopark listing.

When to go

November to April, the dry season. A full day.

Honest expectations

Access is controlled and arranged through the geopark with guides - this is not a walk-in show cave. Only some sections are open. Helmets and lights are required. Roads in the district are rough.

Nearby

Ta Dung lake is south; Buon Ma Thuot is north-east.

What to pack for Krong No Volcanic Caves

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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