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When you think of Ninh Binh Province, there is a high chance limestone mountains and rivers come to your mind first. Yet beyond the postcard views lies a home to a vulnerable species, Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh. Keep reading Asia King Travel’s article to discover what makes this place such an inspiring destination.
Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh serves as a safe haven for rescued bears
Home to 47 bears, Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh is a symbol of second chances. Because each resident here carries a tragic backstory. Some endured nearly two decades in metal cages with no sunlight, while others were taken from their mothers at only a few weeks old as part of cross-border trafficking.
Today, their recovery journeys begin within this sanctuary, providing an eye-opening perspective on how resilient nature can be when it receives the care it deserves.
Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh is a testament to new beginnings
The sanctuary spans 55,000 square meters and is designed to resemble the bears’ natural habitat. At eight semi-wild enclosures, bears can swim in vast pools after sunbathing in the sunshine. What’s more, they are also encouraged to maintain their natural instincts through climbing sessions on structures.
Normally, after a strict 21-day quarantine with veterinary checks, a rescued bear is then introduced to these spacious habitats where they can finally play and rest freely. Even just simply watching them roll in the grass is enough to show you what life in the wild should be like.
Once quarantine and health checks are done, rescued bears enjoy their new roomy habitats
Beyond being a rescue center, Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh also embraces a wider mission: raising awareness about animal welfare while promoting responsible tourism. Here, you’ll find educational exhibits that provide opportunities to learn about the challenges of wildlife protection. At the same time, Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh also prioritizes the bears’ peace above profit when they limits daily visitor numbers so that the bears are never disturbed.
You can find Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh at Cuc Phuong - Bai Dinh Road, Phu Long Commune, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Since it’s right between Cuc Phuong National Park and Bai Dinh Pagoda, you are able to plan a stop here along with other highlights of Ninh Binh.
Read more: Cuc Phuong National Park Tour 1-day: Explore Natural Wonder
Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh is about 105 kilometers south of Hanoi, which means it’s close enough for a day trip. From the capital city, you’ve got a few options to get to Ninh Binh Province first.
As long as you’re not in a hurry, you can choose to take the trains. Since they run about five times a day from Hanoi to Ninh Binh Railway Station, you are going to have some flexibility with your schedule. Plus, tickets are quite affordable, only around VND 130,000 to 150,000 one way.
At the moment, public transportation doesn’t offer a direct route to Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh
Moving on, another popular choice among travelers is shared limousines. You should spend about 2 to 2.5 hours on these vans. Hotel pick-up in Hanoi and drop-off near the sanctuary are two main reasons why it can save you a lot of energy for exploring.
Now you’re already in Ninh Binh, keep in mind the sanctuary isn’t exactly next door to the main tourist hubs. From Tam Coc - Bich Dong Cave Complex, it’s about 40 kilometres away, and from Trang An Landscape Complex, around 25 kilometres.
When it comes to timing your visit to Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh, there isn’t really a bad season, but some periods definitely make the experience more enjoyable. Since the sanctuary is mostly outdoors and designed to mimic the bears’ natural habitat, good weather can really enhance your time here.
The bears are fed between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning
One recommendation is summer. It may be hot and humid, but if you don’t mind the heat, summer mornings are still a good bet. The bears are often more active earlier in the day, especially during feeding time between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Therefore, you will be able to see many of them under the shade.
At Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh, there are two wonderful ways to meet the residents and learn their stories.
For a broad view, try the Skywalk Experience. This 300-meter bridge stretches above the bears’ outdoor homes, and you can watch them from above as they swim, wrestle, or nap. In case you want a closer look, the sanctuary also has phone telephoto lenses to rent at VND 50,000.
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There are two exciting ways to observe the bears at Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh
If you prefer something more intimate, the Guided Sanctuary Tour is a great choice. While one of the sanctuary’s knowledgeable guides tells tales about how each bear came here, you’ll get closer to the enclosures. This tour even includes a visit to the bears’ kitchen, where meals are carefully prepared every day to their needs.
At the end of the skywalk, you’ll step into a gallery where lives of bears are told through vibrant images. Here you’ll get to know eight bear species that exist around the world today, all presented in an easy-to-follow way.
As you leave the skywalk, you’ll enter a gallery that brings the bears stories to life through striking images
The exhibition also gives you a peek behind the scenes of the sanctuary’s daily work. You’ll learn how the staff creates activities that keep the bears' natural instincts. Even the smallest rehabilitation process here has to meet international standards of care. What’s more, you would acknowledge the difficulty of rescuing bears from poor captivity across Vietnam.
And here comes the part that touches your heart - the Binh Yen Theatre. “Binh Yen, ve nao” (“Binh Yen, Come Home”) is a short re-enactment of one rescued bear’s life. From years of suffering in bile farming to finally finding safety at this sanctuary, his story is both heartbreaking and hopeful. It’s a reminder of why places like Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh matter.
After wandering through the sanctuary, you’ll probably want to recharge your battery and the good news is, Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh has just the spot for that.
On-site, there’s a vegetarian bistro where you can enjoy tasty dishes made with fresh ingredients in Ninh Binh. You should try classics like fried spring rolls, stir-fried tofu, or fresh rolls, as well as more unique treats like sweet potato cocoon.
What makes dining here extra special is the sanctuary’s eco-conscious approach. They avoid single-use plastics and make sure every meal is served in a way that’s friendly to the environment.
Don’t forget to visit the souvenir shop after your meal before heading home
Once you are full, don’t miss the souvenir shop before heading out. Here, shelves are filled with sustainable goodies like bamboo straws, tote bags, herbal soaps, and bullet journals. All of which are made with love by local artisans. Not only are they unique keepsakes, but every purchase directly invests in the bears’ care and the sanctuary’s ongoing rescue efforts.
If you want your trip to Ninh Binh to be more than just stunning landscapes, Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh is the answer. It’s a rare chance to see wildlife recovery up close while supporting an important cause. So make sure to include this place in your journey, and let Asia King Travel help you experience it with ease.
Read more: Ninh Binh Tour 3-Day: Natural beauty and Cultural heritage
