Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary

Established in 2017, Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary is a Four Paws-managed wildlife center for rescued bears from the illegal trade and the cruel farming industry in Vietnam.

The sanctuary spans over 5.5 hectares, providing shelter for 46 bears, most of which are Asiatic black bears and sun bears.

It provides large, natural enclosures where rescued bears can climb, forage, swim, and socialize. They also engage in play, rest in shaded areas, and explore their environment freely. This environment helps the bears regain their natural instincts and behaviors. It promotes their physical and mental health.

Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary not only helps rehabilitate bears but also educates the public. It raises awareness about the cruelty of bear bile farming and the need for wildlife conservation.

Visiting it, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the sanctuary’s rescue work and observe the bears through a variety of activities. These include guided tours, a 300-meter skywalk, and interactive exhibits. These features help you understand the sanctuary’s mission better.

Things to do in Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary

Guided tours

Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary provides 3 guided tours offering an in-depth look at the sanctuary’s mission and its rescued bears:

• EXPLORE Tour (VND 50,000, 30 minutes) allows you to enjoy a self-guided walk across a 300-meter skywalk over the enclosure. You can watch the bears in their daily life and interact with various educational exhibits that highlight the sanctuary’s rescue and rehabilitation.
• CONNECT Tour (VND 150,000, 75 minutes) includes a guided walk along the skywalk, visits to interactive exhibits, and a 30-minute of the documentary “Bình Yên, về nào – Binh Yen (Name of a rescued bear), Come home” at the Bình Yên Theatre.
• IMMERSE SANCTUARY Tour (VND 200,000, 120 minutes) offers the most comprehensive experience at the Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary. It combining inclusion from both the EXPLORE and CONNECT tours, while providing behind-the-scenes access to bear areas, technical facilities, and a deeper understanding of the sanctuary’s daily operations.

Interactive Bear Exhibition

One of the most meaningful activities in the sanctuary, especially if you’re passionate about bears, is the interactive bear exhibition.

• Hut 1: “Hello, This is a Bear” – In this hut, you can learn about 8 bear species found around the world, with large informative books showcasing fascinating facts about each species.
• Hut 2: “The 1-Meter World” – This section tells the heartbreaking stories of bears that were kept in captivity for bile extraction. You’ll also learn about the sanctuary’s bear rescue efforts and the journeys these bears take toward freedom and recovery.
• Hut 3: “Happy Bears” – The last section, where you can watch heartwarming moments of rescued bears living freely in a loving and safe environment.

Shopping and dining

Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary has an eco-friendly souvenir shop, which features a wide range of handmade items crafted from sustainable materials. These include bamboo straws, tote bags, herbal soaps, and bullet journals, all designed to promote a greener enviroment.

The sanctuary also features a vegetarian bistro, which serves dishes made from fresh, Ninh Binh-sourced ingredients. The menu has tasty choices like stir-fried tofu, sweet potato cocoon, fried spring rolls, and fresh rolls. All dishes are made with care for the environment and are 100% vegetarian-friendly.

Every purchase directly supports the sanctuary’s rescue and rehabilitation work.

How to get to Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary

If you are starting from Hanoi, you can choose between a train or a bus.

The train journey takes around 2.5 hours and offers a scenic ride through the Vietnamese countryside. Trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station and arrive at Ninh Binh Railway Station, with 5 schedules per day. The cost is about 130,000 – 150,000 VND one way and can be booked via Vietnam’s official railway website here. Once you arrive at Ninh Binh Railway Station, you can take a taxi or local bus to the sanctuary.

However, the most popular option is taking a shared limousine, which typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours and may offer hotel pick-up and sanctuary drop-off. Ticket prices range from 130,000 VND to 200,000 VND per person one way and can be booked online via platforms like 12GoAsia or Vexere.

If you are already in Ninh Binh, note that the sanctuary is still quite far from central areas like Tam Coc (40 km) and Trang An (25 km). So, grab a taxi or prepare your own motorbike accordingly.

Resources

Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary website: https://www.bearsanctuary-ninhbinh.org/
Email: [email protected]
Hotline: + 84 (0) 229 366 6388