Chiang Mai -> Vientienne For 60-day Visa Advice

I'm currently in Chiang Mai, and need to head to Vientiene (Laos) to get another 60 day tourist visa which wil see me through till I return home on 31st ay from BKK.

I have spent hours reading through the forums regarding people that have done this, but would like some advice, as a lot of the info is from 2009.

I have found a couple of "visa run" packages which you have to get your visa yourself, they just provide the transport to/from Chiang Mai, but could anyone advise on if this price is good value?

Chiang Mai -> Nong Khai (return) on a air-con minibus

With an "open return" in which you stay as long as you like then ring the company to confirm your return date to Chiang Mai, where they pick you up from Nong Khai and return you to your guesthouse.

This is just transport, you cross the bridge, get the visa etc yourself.

1900baht

Now from what I have read on here, you can get a bus from the Arcade Bus Station for around 600-800baht, but the posts were from last year, and I wont be going to Arcade til later tonight to check ot out myself, but are the buses any better/worse than an air-con minibus?

Also the bus will go to Udon Thani (if I'm correct?) and then I will need a bus on to Nong Khai where I can cross the bridge etc.

Thinking of this both ways it will end up around the same price +/- 200baht) so will it be easier to get the minibus?

Second question, sightly OT..

After getting the visa and tubing for a day or few, I am heading to Phuket..

Considering above, will I be better off going from Chiang Mai (after the return from Laos above), or getting a 1 way to Laos and going from there to Bangkok via the new train service, then on to Phuket from Bangkok (via Surat Thani??)

I ask as I dont know any prices from Laos to Bangkok to Phuket by land, but I have seen Chiang Mai to Phuket for around 1600baht.

I dont want to fly anywhere, so all over land travel please..

Any and all advice most appreciated, I need to be out of Thailand by 8th, I'm just not sure what to do for the best.

Also I heard Songkran is great in Chiang Mai, if this makes a difference to any replies?

Thanks guys!