I'm planning a trip with two friends to vietnam/ laos this summer. we are planning on traveling to Vietnam first and then to Laos. We're not sure about how to get between the two countries and we're on a bit of a budget. I've heard that the bus journey between Hanoi and Vientiane is very long and on poor roads. Has anyone done this journey? How was it?

another thing we're not sure about is a visa to Laos. Is it possible to get a visa on one of the visa crossings between Vietnam and Laos? There seems to be a lot more info on coming to Laos from Thailand but not much on Vietnam/ Laos.

We've considered flying, if we did fly though between Hanoi/ Laos could anyone advise whether we would be better off buying the tickets in advance or waiting until we get to Vietnam?

Thanks in advance for your help.