Hekou Travel Guide

A conman who calls himself Mr Lee is based at Hekou Train Station and scams foreign tourists. He approaches all foreigners coming into the Hekou Bus station and offers, in rather good English, to make travel arrangements or clear bus 'fees'. DO NOT engage this guy. Despite his mutterings he has no civil authority and less tickets. Have a good day and put acres of sunlight between this common street lice and your wallet.
If you're going to the Lao Cai side, you'll be able to exit the Chinese Customs (which was the longest and most critical exist I've ever done) and clear Viet customs and get a METERED cab to the train station which is 2 km away and get your own tickets.