Tourism

Lam Dong Seeks National Relic Status for A1 and C2 Lava Caves

Minh Tri – Van Thang • 03/07/2026 04:43

Authorities in Lam Dong Province have completed a field survey and agreed on protection zones for the A1 and C2 lava caves, marking an important step toward seeking national relic recognition for two of the most significant sites within the Krong No volcanic cave system.

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Officials conduct a field survey inside C2 Lava Cave, part of the Krong No volcanic cave system.

The survey, organized by the Lam Dong Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism on July 1, brought together representatives from relevant provincial agencies and local authorities to assess the two sites in Nam Da Commune and determine the protection areas required for the proposed relic designation.

The inspection focused on C2 Cave, a lava tube stretching approximately 402 meters in length with a depth ranging from 7 to 10 meters.

Geologists consider the cave notable for its distinctive volcanic formation and rare internal structure, offering valuable scientific evidence of lava-tube development that differs from other caves within the Krong No volcanic network. Its geological characteristics contribute to the diversity of the volcanic cave system located within the UNESCO Dak Nong Global Geopark, now administered by Lam Dong Province.

Earlier the same day, the delegation also surveyed A1 Cave, which extends roughly 438 meters and reaches depths of 3 to 5 meters.

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The survey delegation inspects the entrance area of A1 Lava Cave.

Scientific, cultural and tourism value

Beyond their outstanding geological and geomorphological features, both caves possess significant scientific, archaeological and cultural value.

The surrounding area is closely associated with the Central Highlands Gong Cultural Space, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, and lies near several nationally protected heritage sites, including:

  • Dray Sap Thuong Waterfall
  • Nam Blang Volcano
  • B4 Resistance Base
  • N'Trang Guh Memorial Site
  • C6.1 Archaeological Cave

The concentration of natural and cultural heritage within the area gives it strong potential to become a distinctive tourism destination while supporting the development of integrated heritage and eco-tourism routes across the Central Highlands.

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One of the volcanic cave entrances surveyed during the field inspection.

Next step toward national recognition

Following the field assessment, representatives from the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and related agencies held a technical meeting to finalize the proposed boundaries and protection zones for both relic sites.

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Officials meet to finalize protection boundaries for the proposed relic sites.

The department will now complete the scientific documentation required under Vietnam's cultural heritage regulations before submitting the dossier to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for consideration.

If approved, A1 Cave and C2 Cave will be officially designated as National Scenic Relic Sites, providing stronger legal protection while supporting long-term conservation, scientific research and sustainable tourism development in Lam Dong Province.

Minh Tri – Van Thang