A large network of volcanic caves discovered in the highlands region in Vietnam.

Lava tube near Dray Sap Falls, Vietnam - photo VNE / CVN

A geological study, conducted in 2007 by scientists at the Vietnam Museum of Geology and Japanese counterparts, led to the discovery of a vast network of basaltic "volcanic caves" and many craters.

The first results were published on 26 December 2014 to raise funds for future research.
 

Vietnam - lava tunnel in Tay Nguyen (Highlands) - photo VNE / CVN

Vietnam - lava tunnel in Tay Nguyen (Highlands) - photo VNE / CVN

A dozen of these caves have their network extended of about 25 km., extending from a crater located in the village of Choar along the Serepok river to the Dray Sap falls.

Three caves were examined in detail ... The C7 cave is 1,066 meters long and is according Ngyen Van Thuan, head of the department of geology and mineralogy, the largest system of volcanic caves of Southeast Asia. Its walls are covered with lava stalactites.

A lava tunnel, located two kilometers of the falls is 15 meters wide. It is divided after 50 meters into two branches, each 300 meters long and 6 meters high.

Volcanic eruptions and lava flows responsible for their creation date of tens of millions of years. No trace of human presence was discovered, the network being in a primary forest, but it served as a shelter for animals.
 

Vietnam - lava tunnel in the province of Dak Nong - photo Tuoi Tre

Vietnam - lava stalactites and roots of plants - photo Tuoi Tre

This scientific and natural heritage is an opportunity for tourism development in the central Highlands (Tay Nguyen) and Dak Nong province. The geology department plans to classify it in volcanic Geopark, like the limestone Geopark in Ha Giang Province in northern Vietnam.

Sources:
- Vietnam breaking news
- Le Courrier du Vietnam