🇻🇳 Vietnam — OpenVan.camp

The Vietnam Register has proposed additional regulations for residential trailers. The proposal covers electrical systems, fire safety and gas use. The aim is to reduce the risk of incidents during operation.

Vietnam's Register is finalising a draft national technical standard on safety and environmental protection for trailers and semi-trailers, replacing QCVN 11:2024/BGTVT, for submission to the Ministry of Construction. The draft adds specific requirements for trailers used as mobile homes: occupants may not be carried while the vehicle is moving, and the living area may only be used when the vehicle is stopped or parked. It sets a minimum bed width of 480 mm, requires a sleeping area, kitchen, sanitary facility, table, chairs and cupboards, and mandates an entry door at least 650 mm wide and 1200 mm high. The living-area electrical system must be independent of the vehicle's main electrical system, and at least one fire extinguisher must be fitted. LPG systems must have abrasion-resistant pipe cladding and may not be connected to or shared with a towing vehicle's gas fuel system.

In Tan Hung ward (former District 7), Ho Chi Minh City, a camper van that previously served as a mobile home for a couple running a campsite in Da Lat now operates as a mobile bakery. The stall sells banh mi and coffee for about four hours each morning. After the birth of their child, the couple returned to Ho Chi Minh City and the camper van sat unused for two to three years. Rather than sell the family keepsake, they decided to use it for the food business. The project went from idea to first sales in under a week.

In Vietnam, a growing number of travellers are choosing motorhomes instead of hotels and fixed routes. Over the past four years, this format has begun to develop in the domestic market. Its growth has been supported by changes in travel habits after the pandemic and by improvements to the motorway network. A motorhome is a converted vehicle with full living functions that allows users to travel and stay in it.

A compact camper van styled after the BMW Isetta has drawn attention for its small size and three-wheel layout. The rear is extended to create living space, the roof is raised, and a narrow side door is added; when parked, the interior converts into a bed for two. The fiberglass body suggests a replica rather than a converted original Isetta. Engine output, cost, and builder remain undisclosed.

YouTuber Quiet Nerd built an electric wooden tiny home on wheels with eight 1000W motors, capable of spinning 360 degrees in place. During tests, several tires deflated and the front axle broke.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.