Nam Kar, Lam Dong - A “young” volcano amidst the vast Central Highlands
WVR - Nam Kar Volcano in Lam Dong, part of the UNESCO Dak Nong Geopark, attracts visitors with its pristine landscapes, geological values and locally original culture.
Latest
 |
| The Nam Kar volcanic range in Lam Dong Province is one of the young volcanoes, formed by a combination of effusive and explosive eruptions. (Source: Dak Nong Geopark) |
Nestled along the tourism route “Epic of Water and Fire”, Nam Kar Volcano, located in Phu Son Hamlet, Quang Phu Commune (Lam Dong Province), is considered one of the unique highlights of the UNESCO Dak Nong Global Geopark. With its majestic, pristine landscapes, alongside distinctive geological, ecological and cultural values, it has emerged as an alluring new destination attracting visitors from near and far.
According to scientific research, Nam Kar is formed from three volcanic cones, including one main scoria cone and two subsidiary cones. The main cone rises 60 metres high, with a diameter of 220 metres and a crater about 20 metres deep from the rim, displaying a typical oval shape. Standing 660 metres above sea level, it is mainly composed of volcanic scoria, each piece several centimetres in diameter.
 |
| The Nam Kar volcanic range is considered a very young volcano, dating back less than 10,000 years. (Photo: Khang Pham) |
A few dozen metres to the north lies a smaller scoria cone (S1), 24.2 metres high, at an elevation of 605 metres. It was formed by explosive eruptions, consisting of tightly bonded scoria and volcanic bombs about 10 cm in diameter. Unlike the main cone, S1 has no crater but instead features a gas vent structure, resembling the trunk of a tree.
To the south, at a similar distance, lies the lava cone S2, standing 22.4 metres high at an altitude of 621 metres. This horseshoe-shaped cone was created by successive lava eruptions, expanding into a lava field of about 4.75 km². The scoria and ash cones were formed during the initial stage when the lava was still gas-rich and less viscous, differing from the later stage that produced the lava vent.
 |
| Beyond its geological value, the Nam Kar volcano is closely tied to the cultural life of local ethnic communities such as the M’nong and Ede. (Source: Thanh Nien) |
The eruptions created volcanic bombs of various shapes, coated with a glassy layer due to rapid cooling. When the lava became more fluid and less gaseous, it spread over a wide area. With its almost intact structure, the Nam Kar volcanic range is considered “young”, dating back less than 10,000 years.
Beyond its geological significance, Nam Kar Volcano is deeply tied to the cultural life of the indigenous M’nong and Ede communities. The M’nong recount a legend about a lake atop the volcano, once teeming with fish. The tale tells of a young man who caught and roasted fish, unaware they were cared for by the gods.
After eating, he transformed into an elephant, with large ears, a bulging belly and a robust build. The elephant ate so voraciously that villagers could not feed him. Elders and shamans had to cook sticky rice, maize, beans and cassava, scattering them on bamboo leaves while chanting incantations to remind the elephant this was his rightful food.
 |
| Nam Kar volcano seen from above. (Photo: Vo Anh Tu) |
Today, water still fills the crater and fish thrive within it. Hence, the M’nong retain the name Nam Kar, meaning “mountain of fish”. This legend, woven into epics, serves as a reminder for future generations to respect nature and preserve the resources bestowed by heaven and earth.
From a tourism perspective, Nam Kar embodies three elements: breathtaking nature, unique geological value and cultural depth. Its pristine beauty and mystical legends create a distinct appeal.
 |
| The Nam Kar volcano continually attracts exploration by both domestic and international visitors. (Source: Lam Dong Newspaper) |
Within the journey to explore the UNESCO Dak Nong Global Geopark, Nam Kar Volcano stands not only as a natural treasure but also as a vivid testament to the bond between people and the Central Highlands’ vast wilderness, where the fiery flows of the past still whisper stories through time.
