I am taking your advice but someone told me about tickets for 170 RMB on c-trip to Xishuangbanna. I will stop there for a few days then begin the Laos bus horror, Any tips on Xishuangbanna?

Sorry, haven't done the trip yet. Just looked it up for future travel.

I believe the bus from Jinghong to Laos is 7 hours and about 250 rmb. So you could do the trip for about 400rmb.

I don't think there's that much to see in Jinghong itself. You might want to consider venturing out a bit. Here's some tips for side trips: www.frommers.com/destinations/jinghong/3405010011.html

Also, there might be a ferry on the Mekong river from Xishuangbanna to Laos. I came across a Lonely Planet thread, but the thread was blocked. So you may want to look into it. If there is, it's probably much more pleasant than the bus.

Have a good trip!