Hanoi family spends nearly 100 million VND on renting a motorhome for a 1.5-month cross-Vietnam trip

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.

Vietnamese families are increasingly converting pickup trucks and minibuses into mobile homes for travel, spending from 1.5 to 2 billion VND. However, such modifications require strict compliance with the law: unauthorized structural changes can lead to a fine of up to 150 million VND, revocation of the vehicle inspection certificate, and an order to restore the vehicle to its original condition. If the module is attached without altering the body and does not exceed dimensions/weight, it is considered cargo; otherwise, an official conversion procedure with certification is required.

A Hanoi resident, Trinh Quang Huy, together with his wife, invested about 1.1 billion VND (approx. $45,000) in purchasing and converting a 3.4-ton truck into a motorhome. Since 2022, the couple has spent most of their time in this vehicle, traveling across northern Vietnamese provinces. The interior includes solar power and water filtration systems, enabling off-grid living. The truck's structure remains unchanged, and while driving, the couple stays only in the cabin, complying with traffic regulations.

The vanlife trend is growing among young people who abandon traditional housing and office jobs to live in vehicles. According to People, a US couple converted a van into a mobile home with a bed, mini-kitchen, and workspace. The #vanlife hashtag has garnered tens of billions of views on TikTok. Sociologists warn that social media romanticizes this lifestyle, hiding loneliness and financial pressures.

Nissan and Overland Expo unveiled the expedition version of the Frontier Pro-4X — Ultimate Build 2. It features a 3.8L V6, reinforced suspension, and a Tune Outdoor M1L camper. Will be auctioned this fall.