Laos additions forum

I am traveling to China for a job that starts at the end of Feb in south-west China. Budget minded, I would like to travel in this area for a week. I will travel from Chiang Mai and am thinking to start out in Lung Pabang and travel down to Vientaine. I understand that I can get the Visa for Vietnam in Lung Pabang. How is it on the buses, time, price etc. and what should I see before Vientaine. I was also thinking about the overnight sleeper bus into Hanoi and then taking the train into China. Any thoughts about the surrounding areas of Hanoi and I do like nature and out of the way places. Thank you for answering.