Pickup-to-motorhome conversions face legal risks on roads

The management board of Nui Chua-Phuoc Binh National Park in Vietnam has banned unauthorized trekking, camping, and nature experience activities. The decision follows a rise in independent tours organized without notifying the forest management unit, posing safety risks and threatening biodiversity. Organizers must now submit written plans including routes, dates, and safety measures for approval.

A caravan of 19 cars and 47 Thai tourists arrived in Hue, Vietnam, on July 7. Organized by Indochina Duy Nhat Tourism Company, the group was approved by the Ministry of Transport to participate in tourism traffic from July 4 to 8. The route covers several provinces, with an overnight stay in Hue and visits to the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda.

Vietnamese users praise the VinFast EC Van electric van for its compact size, spacious cargo area, and low operating costs. The vehicle has a range of 175 km and supports fast charging, making it suitable for urban deliveries. Operating costs are significantly lower than gasoline counterparts, especially with a free charging program until 2029.

In Vietnam, converting pickup trucks into mobile homes (mobihome) with beds, kitchens, and solar panels is gaining popularity. Legal experts note that installing removable modules is not prohibited but requires compliance with size and weight regulations; otherwise, the vehicle may be considered modified. Drivers must also account for a higher center of gravity and longer braking distances.

Authorities in Da Nang have launched a campaign against illegal camping and tent pitching on Son Tra Peninsula following tourist complaints about unsanitary conditions. During raids on April 30 and May 1, temporary shelters were dismantled and violators were cited. The measures aim to protect the ecosystem, prevent forest fires, and maintain beach aesthetics.

A family from Hanoi rented a motorhome (mobihome) for 45 days to travel across Vietnam. The rental cost about 80 million VND, with total expenses around 150 million VND. The trip covered over 20 provinces, including coastal and mountain routes. The family noted that this format allows for a slower pace and closer connection to nature, but requires driving skills and readiness for unexpected situations.