Why We’re Building Our Van Life Dream in Da Nang, Vietnam

If you’ve followed the Scoutted Roadmap, you know the mission: to build a definitive guide for Southeast Asia. That requires a strategic basecamp for ‘Phase Zero”. Ours is a small, sunlit studio apartment in Da Nang, nestled between the vibrant expat streets of An Thuong and the lush, quiet hills of Son Tra.

For the Scoutted Roadmap project, Da Nang isn’t just a dot on the map. It’s the perfect strategic and personal starting point for turning our van life blueprint into reality.

Why Da Nang? More Than Just a Beautiful Beach

While the beach at our doorstep is a fantastic perk, our choice is deeply practical. Da Nang is, in our view, one of the best places in Southeast Asia to build a van.

• A Builder’s Ecosystem: Need a custom bracket welded, a mechanic who understands off-grid electrical systems, or a specific solar panel part? Da Nang’s mix of industrial workshops, skilled tradespeople, and a growing community of makers makes it all more accessible than in remote towns.

• The Ultimate “Test Track”: Within an hour’s drive, we have everything: city traffic for testing reliability, the stunning (and demanding) Hai Van Pass mountain road for testing engine and brakes, and secluded beach tracks for testing off-grid systems. It’s a perfect proving ground.

• Our Home Base Advantage: We know this city. We have our routines, our favorite coffee shops to work from, and a supportive community. Tackling a project as massive as a van conversion is stressful enough. Doing it from a place we feel comfortable and connected in removes a huge layer of anxiety.

The Feline Factor: Scout & Ted’s Gentle Transition

This is perhaps the most important reason of all. Our number one priority is the safety and happiness of Scout and Ted.

Starting in our compact apartment is no accident. For our two adventurous cats, it’s the ideal training ground. They are already mastering life in a small, shared space—a direct rehearsal for their future home on wheels. Before they ever see a van, we’re focused on carrier training, leash introductions, and building their confidence with short, positive trips in the car. Da Nang’s variety of environments allows us to do this gradually and safely. Their comfort isn’t phase two of our plan; it’s the non-negotiable foundation of Phase One.

The Honest Reality: We’re in “Phase Zero”

Let’s be clear: We don’t have the van yet. And that’s okay.

Right now, we’re in what we call “Phase Zero: The Build Before the Build.” Every day is about building the foundation:

• The Fund: Saving and fundraising (every contribution on our Fuel the Van page gets us closer).

• The Plan: Researching van models, designing the layout, and sourcing materials.

• The Crew: Preparing our feline co-pilots for their biggest adventure.

This phase is about meticulous planning so that when we finally get those keys, we can hit the ground running.

The Vision From Here

From this little studio in Da Nang, the dream feels beautifully tangible. We’re not just dreaming of freedom; we’re building the toolbox, the knowledge, and the patience to make it happen—for all four of us.

This is the messy, exciting, and real start. We’re so glad you’re along for the ride.

Continue the Story: With our crew, territory, and basecamp established, the foundational series is complete. To follow our ongoing research, field reports, and the build journey, join the ongoing mission on The Roadmap Log.

P.S. This is just the start of our planning series. To follow every step of our van search, build plans, and Scout & Ted’s training, make sure to bookmark our blog or subscribe to our email list for updates delivered to your inbox.

What’s your take? Do you have experience with Da Nang or tips for finding a van in Vietnam?

Got thoughts on Da Nang, van hunting, or cat travel? We’d love to hear from you!

Get in touch via our Join Us page.