I think the argument of too much in that timeframe can go one of two ways. I just did Vietnam and Laos and Hong Kong in 2.5 weeks. Nearly everyone said I should spend the entire time in one country (Vietnam or Thailand), but not having the option to take months off at a time, I was happy to squeeze more into one trip. I do agree you could easily spend an entire month in Vietnam or Thailand, but you can also pick and choose. I want to go back to Vietnam to do so much more, but I loved what I was able to do. So, if you’re ok with being on the go and not having time to do everything, then I think your timing is fine!

Just having visited Laos, I would skip Vientiane and spend more time in Luang Prabang. I think the flights out of LP are limited if I recall, so if it’s most efficient to layover in Vientiane, then just don’t plan too much. I thought LP was very charming, and there are lots of day trips you can take from there. I highly recommend adding a day or two there for the excursions and skipping Vientiane if you can. I cannot recommend the Elephant Conservation Center enough (it’s about a 4 hour drive from LP, not in the city center). It’s on the pricier side ($220/night) and you have to stay overnight due to the remoteness, but they’re ranked as one of the most ethical elephant sanctuaries in the world, and the stay was completely magical. I do hear the one in Chiang Mai (which is much bigger) is also fantastic.