I am going to be in Vietiane, Laos for 5 weeks

I am spending my summer working in Chiang Mai, Thailand and Vietiane, Laos, approximately 4 weeks in the first and 5 weeks in Vietiane. I want to know what people think I should try to see in those surrounding areas and in the specific cities. Also, what places would be amazing to see in nearby countries? Cambodia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. I want a little time at the beach, but I want to see other places too. Please give me suggestions....

lots to see and do in and around Vientiane. Would recommend checking out www.stay-another-day.org and http://www.vientiane-hotel-link.com/destination_guide to begin with. Outside of Vientiane, you have Phou Khou Khouay National Park, Nam Ngum Lake, Vang Vieng, Ban Pako - all well worth day trips or weekends breaks.