The unique Thuan An volcano

A corner of Thuan An volcano

According to scientists , Thuan An volcano was active approximately 781,000 to 126,000 years ago and remains relatively well-preserved to this day, with a diameter of about 300 m, a height of about 80 m, and a slope of about 200 degrees at an altitude of 867 m above sea level. In fact, the volcano is somewhat oval-shaped, with a steeper southwest slope, while the northeast slope forms two gradually sloping steps. At the crater and slopes of the volcano, scientists have only found ash, bombs, and volcanic debris, so they have not yet been able to identify and delineate the related lava flows; for now, they can only conclude that this is an explosively active volcano.

One piece of evidence confirming the relatively young age of this volcano is the area in Dak Song commune, located east of Thuan An volcano. Specifically, in Dak Song commune, about 10,000 hectares in size, there is a "cold forest" known as the "cold forest," where the temperature is 3-4 degrees Celsius lower than other forests. Of this, approximately 4,000 hectares of "cold forest" have been converted to coffee plantations, but the temperature there remains about 2 degrees Celsius lower than surrounding areas. Not far away, several mineral springs rich in CO2 are being exploited to recover the CO2 for beverage production. Before exploitation, these springs could erupt up to 15 meters above ground level. The release of CO2 from underground springs lowers the temperature in the area, a phenomenon commonly observed in volcanic regions worldwide . On the other hand, the existence of hot mineral springs in the area is also an indication that this land is in a state of underlying development.

Besides its natural value, Thuan An volcano is also associated with the legends of the M'nong people. Ancient stories tell that this place was once the domain of guardian spirits protecting the villages, linked to many mythical tales of love, strength, and the aspiration to conquer nature. These legends have been passed down orally through generations, becoming an integral part of the unique intangible cultural heritage of the M'nong people.

According to the story told by elder Y Kai in Jun Júh village, Đức Lập commune, in ancient times, the mountain god Nâm Nung possessed immense strength and ruled over a vast land. One day, while traveling, the mountain god Nâm Nung saw the mountain god Nâm Lê (Cambodia) had an extremely beautiful daughter and decided to abduct her. Heartbroken, but weak, the mountain god Nâm Lê was unable to save his daughter. After much deliberation, the mountain god Nâm Lê invited the mountain god Nâm Gler (Lồ Ô mountain - Thuận An volcano) to act as a peace envoy to negotiate with Nâm Nung to bring his daughter back. However, no terms were accepted by Nâm Nung, and the negotiations failed. Enraged, the mountain god Nâm Gler – a peace envoy whose mission was to mediate – failed, the mountain god Nâm Lê stomped his foot forcefully on the summit of Nâm Cler mountain, causing it to collapse and form a basin.

To commemorate this event, the locals later referred to Thuan An volcano as "Nam Gler R'luh" mountain to explain why the summit had subsided. With its unique geological and landscape values, along with legends associated with the lives of the M'nong people, Thuan An volcano is not only an attractive destination for tourists but also a valuable heritage that needs to be preserved and promoted. It is also a source of pride for the people of Lam Dong province in their journey to build and develop the UNESCO Dak Nong Global Geopark.

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