We flew from Luang Prabang to Vientiane and then from Vientiane to Hanoi. We arrived in Hanoi in the evening and were ready for our first Vietnamese meal in Vietnam.  We arrived at our hotel, and it was very impressive. Check it out, www.goldenlotushotel.com.vn
By this time we were famished and went to a place near our hotel. It was only a few blocks but walking in this town is a major challenge!!  There are so many scooters, bicycles, cyclos, cars that crossing the street is next to impossible. The trick is weaving in and out of traffic, so you have to start crossing and then wait in the midddle of the road.  Scary!!!