Laos forum

Hello all,
A friend and i are heading all over SE asia for just short of three months, starting December.
We are both young lads, and we've travelled thailand before. We love food, taking advantage of destinations' specialties, and ofcourse a bit of nightlife, but not forgettingauthentic cultural experiences that get you out of the "tourist scene". Our trip will take us both on and off the beaten track.
Our leg of Laos isnt the longest, will see us there from 20th Dec - 4th Jan, and goes something like this:
flight into vientiane from vietnam
Vientiane: 2 nights
Vang Vieng: 5 nights (christmas)
Luang Prabang & Surrounds: 8 nights
During the 8 nights, 9 days in and around Luang Prabang, any suggestions for round trips in the nearby provinces? Muang Ngoi Neua sounds beautiful for a night or two. My mate has mentioned about a boat to Pak Beng and motorbikes up to Udomxai - Nong Khiaw and a boat back to LP.
Eventually we have to be back at LP for a flight onto Chiang Mai and Thailand (4th Jan).
Also, how is travel this time of the year? 1-3rd of Jan is a public holiday, so it seems.

Cheers!!