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Owners in Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Duong use the VinFast VF 8 as a mobile home for family trips. The electric motor delivers 402 hp and 620 Nm of torque, comparable to sports cars. The starting price is 898 million VND, with a loyalty discount reducing it to 818 million VND. Until February 10, 2029, owners receive up to 10 free monthly charges at V-Green stations.
The article lists several camping spots near Hanoi, including Suoi Hai Lake (Ba Vi), Khe Dau Waterfall (Lang Son), Ngoa Van Rocks (Quang Ninh), and Tuy Lai Lake (My Duc). Distances from Hanoi range from 45 to 120 km, with travel times from 1 to 3.5 hours. Activities include camping, trekking, boating, and fishing.
A workshop in Ho Chi Minh City completed a camping conversion of a 2011 Toyota Hiace. The two-month project involved replacing the front end with a Japanese-spec version, installing round headlights, a steel bumper, 16-inch Forged wheels with all-terrain tires, and a roof rack with awning. Inside, the rear seats were removed to fit a sofa bed, cabinet, TV, and a 220V electrical system powered by a portable battery. Experts note that such modifications require regulatory approval to avoid inspection issues and fines.
Adrienne, a Subaru Ascent owner, shared a TikTok hack: using a carabiner to trick the trunk latch into thinking it's closed while the door remains open. This prevents the car from activating interior lights and sensors, saving battery power during long camping stops. The video garnered hundreds of thousands of views, with commenters noting that carabiners are a common Subaru owner accessory.
Subaru has updated its small camper van, the Sambar Van, for 2026. The model features an improved ADAS system with stereo cameras that can detect cyclists and pedestrians. A digital instrument cluster is added for the passenger version. The base manual transmission version starts at 1,155,000 yen (about 189 million VND), an increase of 55,000 yen over the previous model.
Encore RV has introduced the ROG 12RK-FB travel trailer, addressing the common lack of a proper bathroom in compact trailers. The model features a foldable wet bath that stows away when not in use and expands into a full shower and toilet. The design targets travelers seeking mobility without sacrificing comfort.
Starting July 1, 2025, Vietnam will require all accommodation providers, including hotels, homestays, resorts, as well as any mobile sleeping units such as cruise ships, floating houses, and campervans, to register guests. The new law (No. 118/2025/QH15) mandates submission of guest details (name, date of birth, ID or passport number, purpose and duration of stay) by 11 PM on the day of arrival. Registration can be done via the VNeID app or the Ministry of Public Security's temporary residence portal.
Vietnam
During the Phu Thong Long Tong festival 2025 in Bac Thong district (Bac Kan province, Vietnam), competitions for the best campsite and traditional costume show were held. The camping contest involved 14 communes and towns, with Dong Phuong commune winning first place. In the costume contest, with 26 participants in the final, Nong Hoang Yen from Phu Thong town took first prize. The events aim to preserve ethnic minority cultural heritage and promote tourism.
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.
Vietnam
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.
Vietnamese authorities warn of legal and safety issues in converting pickups into motorhomes. Under Circular No. 39 of the Ministry of Transport, a detachable cabin on the truck bed is allowed if it does not alter dimensions or structure. However, built-in amenities like beds, kitchens, and toilets may be deemed illegal modifications requiring re-registration. Additionally, the raised center of gravity affects vehicle handling.
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.
Hanoi family spends nearly 100 million VND on renting a motorhome for a 1.5-month cross-Vietnam trip
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.
The trend of converting pickup trucks into mobile homes (Mobihome) is growing in Vietnam. Under current law, installing a removable module that does not alter the vehicle's structure is permitted, but must comply with size and load regulations. Unauthorized structural modifications carry a fine of up to 150 million VND and cancellation of the vehicle inspection certificate.
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.
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A Hanoi couple invested about 1.1 billion dong to convert a 3.4-ton truck into a camper. Since 2022, they have traveled across Vietnam, saving on accommodation and food.
Vietnamese families are increasingly converting pickup trucks into 'mobile homes' for travel, spending from 1.5 to 2 billion VND. However, such modifications require legal compliance: unauthorized structural changes can lead to fines up to 150 million VND and failure to pass vehicle inspection. Lawyers clarify that removable modules not altering the structure may be treated as cargo, while fixed installations require official conversion procedures.
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.