Exploring the largest volcanic cave in Vietnam

Located in Buon Choah commune of Krong No district, Chu B’Luk is the longest volcanic cave system of its kind throughout Southeast Asia.(Photo: viphuynh)

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Chu B’Luk cave, a unique natural heritage, was initially formed by volcanic eruptions occurring millions of years ago. (Photo: viphuynh)

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The 2,000 square kilometre volcanic cave system extends from Krong No district to several neighbouring communes of Cu Giut, Dak Min, Dak Song, and Dak Glong district, as well as Gia Nghia town. (Photo: flavourofthesouth)

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Many village patriarchs of the E De ethnic minority community in Krong No district tell legends related to the mysterious Chu B’Luk volcano. (Photo: bntanh)

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Legend has it that thousands of years ago the ancestors of the E De people lived deep underground, residing in the area’s caves. (Photo: viphuynh)

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They called the sacred mountain Chu B’Luk as it was the origin of the cave system. ‘Chu’ means ‘mountain’ and ‘B’Luk’ translates as ‘origin’. One day, a man from the community was expelled from Chu B'Luk for his violation of its rules. Over the years, he practiced hunting, gathering, and farming, leading to a gradual shift away from life in the cave system as the local community gathered together and set up their village above the ground. (Photo: howmanycountry)

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Traces of the operations of the volcano appear right on the path leading to its foot as it is full of frothy basaltic soil created from lava which the volcano had previously spewed in the past. (Photo: viphuynh)

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Passing the basalt reef, the trip to Chu B’Luk volcano continues with a long slope which goes directly to the volcano crater. (Photo: viphuynh)

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After passing through several obstacles during the course of the journey, the feeling of setting foot on top of the volcano which stands 593 metres above sea level and admiring the cone-shaped crater is a once-in-a lifetime experience that mountain climbers should give a try.

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Visitors to the site promise to be overwhelmed thanks to the magnificent lava layers and stones, as well as the fanciful light beams shinning down through a sky well.(Photo:sontungst)