Luc and Uyen both were born in 1993 in Da Nang. They share the same passion for experiential travel. They often roam on motorbikes with camping gear, tables, and chairs to remote beaches, and quiet villages to camp and cook.

"We love the feeling of setting up a small home amid nature, enjoying the fresh air, peace, and freedom," they said.

After several years of traveling on motorbike, the amount of camping gear grew significantly, becoming bulky, and hard to transport by motorbike. Luc and Uyen then had to find alternative vehicles.

"We watched many Japanese videos and saw families turn small trucks into mobile homes for travel. My dad had a spare truck, so we decided to buy it and together turn it into a mobile home to travel everywhere," Luc said.

The 700 kilogram truck measures 4.2m long, 1.6m wide, and is 2.4 m high. According to Luc, the model is compact, suited for long trips, and is not banned on many roads. It has a durable powerful engine and low maintenance costs.

The couple studied Japanese designs and adjusted the truck to fit their needs and Vietnam’s environmental conditions. Then Luc and a friend of his skilled in aluminum glasswork started installing equipment in the truck bed.

"The truck bed is just 3 sq m, so we reserve the space for basic functions like sleeping and cooking," Luc said.

Inside the truck, they installed a foldable table for working and cooking, placed next to the glass window that can extend outward. The space under the table is used to contain a 768Wh portable power station, gas stove, and some heavier items.

Luc designed multiple storage compartments and put up hooks to hold dishes, knives, cutting boards, spices, and lightweight household goods.

"Camping gear packed neatly in the truck bed, so before or after each trip, we don’t worry about arranging stuff. We use a portable power station, so it doesn’t affect the truck’s electrical system or structure," they said.

The floor was lined with wood for easy cleaning. The "mobile home" was built in October 2024, costing about VND30 million.

On weekends, the couple drives to scenic natural spots not too far from the city, like Son Tra Peninsula (Da Nang), Thien An Hill (Hue), Dong Giang, and Hoi An (Quang Nam).

The longest trip so far was from Da Nang to Mang Den (Kon Tum), then Da Lat, returning via coastal provinces like Phu Yen and Binh Dinh. Total round trip was nearly 2,000 kilometers.

"With the mobile home, we don’t worry about finding restaurants, or booking hotels. We can stop anywhere at beautiful and safe places to cook, brew coffee, and relax. When tired of driving, we just rest," Luc said.

Linh Trang