Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam is home to what’s believed the world’s largest cave. Photographer Carsten Peter shot the cave Hang Son Doong, which is more than four kilometers long, on assignment for National Geographic last year. Now he’s been awarded second place in the 2012 World Press Photo contest in the Nature category. (First prize was given to an incredible, albeit heart-crushingly depressing essay on the poaching of rhinoceros horns.)As amazing gorgeous as the photos are, it’s tough to comprehend just how big the cave is. How’s this for mind-blowing: a half-mile long block of 40 story buildings would fit comfortably inside the cave’s main opening. The original Nat Geo story is just as incredible, with author Mark Jenkins doing an admirable job conveying the sheer enormity of the cave system. It’s worth a read, assuming you don’t get sucked into a state of slack-jawed awe at the beauty of the accompanying photo gallery, which is host dozens more photos.
Advertisement