The Motorbike Diaries: Exploring Vietnam Rain Poncho Fashion

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I’m going to state the obvious – I’m a girl. What I mean by that is I can exhibit typical girl traits at times, especially when it comes to my knowledge of cars. As long as I can remember, I’ve never really been interested in cars (I mean, aren’t shoes more interesting?).

The first car I bought was when I was 22 years old – a Ford Escort GT (the GT is essential, I’m sure). I cared so little about cars that I kept it until I was 33, when I finally donated it to charity before moving to NYC. Cars were just a way to get from A to B.

Vehicle Names and Their Meaning

One of my first boyfriends in high school was a Mustang enthusiast. He had a cool, old, refurbished Mustang, and I must admit, I liked riding around in it, but I never really understood his obsession. My college boyfriend was the same way with his Thunderbird. He could spot a car from a block away and name the make and model, while I’d say, “You mean that blue one next to the red one?”

I’ve come to believe that all men are car people, and I just never got that gene. The only thing that ever fascinated me about cars was their names. Who comes up with those? They’re supposed to evoke greatness, speed, power, or a hint of cool — some marketing genius, no doubt. Mustang vs. Escort… what more can I say?

The World of Motorbike Names in Vietnam

Fast forward to life in Vietnam, where cars are replaced by motorbikes and the streets hum with the sound of scooters instead of engines. Here, I’ve been introduced to a whole new world of names that try to inspire the same ideas of swiftness, efficiency, and a touch of cool — all on two wheels.

A few of my favorites include:

• Honda Wave – the Toyota Corolla of motorbikes; the most common one on the road
• Yamaha Nouvo (my trusty motorbike!)
• Honda Future
• Honda Dream, Dream II, and Super Dream
• Suzuki Best
• Yamaha Sirius
• Honda Airblade
• Yamaha Jupiter
• Honda Supercub
• Kawasaki Max II
• Honda Newfi
• Suzuki Vivo

I personally think they should consider some new, more realistic names — like the Honda Patience, the Yamaha Wrong Way, or maybe the Suzuki Carry-Anything (and I mean ANYTHING). That might be a bit long, but hell, it’s accurate. Regardless, I’m sure the creative teams are already working on the next exciting set of names. I can hardly wait to see what comes next.

Ponchos: Vietnam’s Rainy Season Fashion

If the motorbike brands are a study in marketing creativity, the rainy season in Vietnam is a lesson in fashion ingenuity.

There’s one thing I genuinely like about the rainy season: the ponchos. I never thought I’d own three of them, but here we are. There’s an entire poncho industry in Vietnam — it’s like a secret fashion world for motorbike riders.

Vietnam Poncho Fashion 101

The inexpensive, one-time-use ponchos are my go-to when I forget my good one and get caught in a downpour. They’re basically flimsy, pull-apart plastic bags. When the rain stops, you rip it off like a Chippendale dancer tearing off his pants — dramatic, but completely justified.

Then there are the more advanced models.

• The Headlight Poncho: Designed specifically for motorbikes, it features a small clear panel in front that lets your headlight shine through the poncho. It’s the only thing I’ve seen here that’s remotely safety-minded.
• The Two-Headed Poncho: My personal favorite! This genius invention allows two people to ride together under one poncho. Two heads, one motorbike, zero dryness.
• The Rain Suit: For those who’ve made it big, the rain suit is the luxury version — full jacket, pants, and reflective tape. Because nothing says “I’ve arrived” like staying dry in a monsoon.

Rainy season travel gear you should pack

Huddling for Survival on a Motorbike in Vietnam

If you can’t afford a two-headed poncho, you improvise. That means one poncho, two people, and the person in back huddles underneath the driver’s poncho. Seriously — I don’t know a single American who would voluntarily do this. Yet here I am, doing exactly that.

Picture it: rain pelting down, traffic weaving around you, and you’re peeking out from under a wet sheet of plastic, staring at the pavement rushing beneath the wheels. Most people would be puking within minutes. I’m betting my sister-in-law wouldn’t make it past four.

Life Lessons from Motorbiking in Vietnam

Riding a motorbike in Vietnam is more than just a way to get around — it’s an entire cultural experience. From the poetic names of the bikes to the wild, practical poncho designs, there’s something deeply human about how people adapt and personalize this way of life.

I may not have the “car gene,” but I’ve come to appreciate the beauty and absurdity of motorbike culture here — and honestly, I think I’d take a two-headed poncho over a Thunderbird any day.