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Dak Nong Geopark welcomed me with absolutely perfect weather: a clear blue sky, fluffy clouds drifting in the golden sunshine, interspersed with breezes that seemed to want to sweep away all... worries, and in the evening, the cool chill of the vast Central Highlands. What made me so eager to visit was the Chu Bluk volcanic cave complex, the longest in Southeast Asia.
In the indigenous Ede language, Chu Bluk means "mountain of origin" (Chu means "mountain", Bluk means "origin"). However, the locals still commonly call it Bat Cave because the environment in these caves is a refuge for these nocturnal animals.
Geographically, the Chu Bluk volcanic cave complex is located within the Dak Nong Geopark (Buon Choah commune, Krong No district, Dak Nong province). This volcano erupted approximately 3,700 years ago, its massive lava flow spreading across an area of about 5 km wide and 25 km long, creating a complex of over 100 caves of varying sizes and shapes. The most notable are cave C8, with an entrance reaching a depth of 20 meters, and cave C9, the highest cave in the Chu Bluk volcanic cave complex.
Stage 1: C9 Cave - the highest cave in the Chu Bluk volcanic cave complex.
After a nap on the bus from Saigon, I arrived at a local's house in Buon Choah to prepare for my exploration of the Chu Bluk volcanic cave complex. The route I was taking today promised to be challenging, requiring me to walk slowly, step by step, across small, unstable rocks in the lava field. A lack of balance could easily lead to sprains or cuts. Not to mention sections overgrown with weeds, making it impossible to see what lay beneath my feet. Then there were thorny bushes clinging to my clothes, and the need to crawl through thickets and climb inside the caves… But, for adventurous souls, what were those obstacles!
The Chư Bluk volcano is tall enough to be visible from the very beginning of the trail leading to Cave C9. This trail was probably formed when locals came here to plant corn before the rainy season and harvest it during the dry season. Occasionally, we still see remnants of corn stalks as we follow our guide.
Before long, I was halfway up the Chu Bluk volcano and... standing there catching my breath because the path was quite steep and the sun was blazing. In return, I enjoyed the strong winds that felt like they could blow me away (if I were lighter), and the breathtaking panoramic view of the pristine lava fields below.
After enjoying the beauty of this arid land, I picked up my backpack and continued my journey. Eventually, I reached the entrance to Cave C9.
Turning on my headlamp and wearing gloves for better grip, I pushed aside branches and crawled through bushes to get a clearer view of the rocky slope ahead, then slowly, step by step, entered cave C9.
The pitch-black darkness was being broken by the flashlight's beam. A cool sensation ran through my body. I shivered at the sound of dripping water. The cave was also home to many bats, so when they saw the light and heard human noise, they swarmed out in all directions, making me feel like I was in some mysterious place.
Venturing deeper into the cave, craning my neck and turning 360 degrees, I gained a clearer understanding of the "magnificence" of Cave C9. The cave's interior is tubular, with lava stalactites and lava shelves on the walls, traces indicating the lava levels and flow direction from ancient times. At the far end of the cave is a beautiful arched space; below are larger rocks – a result of a collapsed section of the cave ceiling, densely covered with vegetation; above are clumps of ferns hanging down, resembling a giant, beautiful green curtain.
Stage 2: C8 Cave - one of the longest caves in Southeast Asia
After spending a considerable amount of time in Cave C9, I continued on to Cave C8, one of the longest caves in Southeast Asia, formed by the upper reaches of the Chu Bluk volcanic lava flow running from southeast to northwest.
After putting on my professional climbing equipment, I was instructed by the climbing experts on how to use it to begin rappelling down from the mouth of Thach Sanh cave to a depth of 20 meters, to take my first steps in cave C8.
In the distance, the sunlight streamed in, and I followed it. Suddenly, a beautiful scene unfolded before me. Below were moss-covered rocks, to the right a rocky wall with drooping ferns, and above, a primeval forest bathed in sunlight, its rays shining through the foliage to create shimmering, beautiful light. As if to entice me to stay longer, a layer of mist appeared, drifting lazily in the sunlight, blending with the green of the vegetation to create a magnificent spectacle. I spent about 45 minutes just admiring the magical beauty at the entrance of cave C8.
Leaving cave C8, I continued walking across the vast lava fields surrounding the Chu Bluk volcano to reach the meeting point. Seeing the smooth, paved road ahead marked the end of my exploration of the Chu Bluk volcanic cave complex. Perhaps, as I bid farewell to this place, I will most fondly remember the smell of burning grass, the delicious taste of wild tomatoes, the midday breeze, and the beauty of the volcanic caves that Mother Nature has created for this sun-drenched, windswept land in the vast Central Highlands.
Additional information
Many tour operators offer tours to explore the Chu Bluk volcanic cave complex. Personally, I chose TransViet Wanderlust – a reputable travel company with over a decade of experience in Vietnam. For example, for the zipline experience from the mouth of Thach Sanh cave down 20 meters to cave C8, TransViet Wanderlust hired a nationally certified climbing instructor and prepared all the necessary safety equipment to ensure the safety of all participants. I believe the cost of such arrangements is considerable, and not every travel agency can afford to do this.
Tour cost: 3,990,000 VND/pax, for ages 11 and up.
Brief itinerary:
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Dak Nong: Explore the Chu Bluk volcanic cave complex.
Day 2: Dak Nong – Dak Lak – Ho Chi Minh City: Explore the Dray Nur & Dray Sap waterfalls.
