'tis the season

 

The special airs Monday, December 20th at 10PM EST. Check the listings for an encore presentation. Also read the full article on Son Doong cave by Mark Jenkins in the January 2011 issue of National Geographic Magazine. But first, enjoy some of the beautiful pictures illustrating the natural beauty of Son Doong.
A half-mile block of 40-story buildings could fit inside this lit stretch of Hang Son Doong, which may be the world’s biggest subterranean passage. (Photo Credit: © Carsten Peter/National Geographic)

Like a castle on a knoll, a rock formation shines beneath a skylight in Hang Son Doong. A storm had just filled the pool, signaling that exploring season was coming to an end.(Photo Credit: © Carsten Peter/National Geographic)
Navigating an algae-skinned maze, expedition organizers Deb and Howard Limbert lead the way across a sculpted cavescape in Hang Son Doong. Ribs form as calcite-rich water overflows pools. (Photo Credit: © Carsten Peter/National Geographic)
Son Trach, Bo Trach District, Vietnam. (Photo Credit: © NGC)
Son Trach, Bo Trach District, Vietnam. (Photo Credit: © NGC)
Son Trach, Bo Trach District, Vietnam. (Photo Credit: © NGC)
Son Trach, Bo Trach District, Vietnam. (Photo Credit: © NGC)
Hang Song Doong aka Mountain River Cave, Son Trach, Bo Trach District, Vietnam. (Photo Credit: © ITV STUDIOS LTD./ Simon Reay)
Hang Song Doong aka Mountain River Cave, Son Trach, Bo Trach District, Vietnam. (Photo Credit: © ITV STUDIOS LTD./ Simon Reay)
Hang Song Doong aka Mountain River Cave, Son Trach, Bo Trach District, Vietnam. (Photo Credit: © ITV STUDIOS LTD./ Simon Reay)
Hang Song Doong aka Mountain River Cave, Son Trach, Bo Trach District, Vietnam. (Photo Credit: © ITV STUDIOS LTD./ Simon Reay)
Hang Song Doong aka Mountain River Cave, Son Trach, Bo Trach District, Vietnam. (Photo Credit: © ITV STUDIOS LTD./ Simon Reay)
Hang Song Doong aka Mountain River Cave, Son Trach, Bo Trach District, Vietnam. (Photo Credit: © ITV STUDIOS LTD./ Simon Reay)
Hang Song Doong aka Mountain River Cave, Son Trach, Bo Trach District, Vietnam. (Photo Credit: © ITV STUDIOS LTD./ Simon Reay)

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