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The Mekong, which forms a considerable part of Laos' border to Thailand, is an important means of transport.
There are slow boats and some speed-boats between the different towns. They operate depending on the season. A trip may, e.g., still be possible in September, but no longer in December. Once you are there, inquire with Lao Tourism with regard to routes, departure times (usually (very) early in the morning) and river conditions.
Most slow boats have two decks, one 'inside' (all windows and doors are open or rather nonexistent anymore) with some benches and no space, the other is the upper deck with only the steel floor to sit upon and the sun beating down on you.
Longer journeys tend to take several days, so you will need to make yourself comfortable. Laotians bring big sheets of plastic with them to sit and lie upon.
Carry enough to drink and eat, since it is not always possible to buy water on the ship, while food (rice, eggs, some vegetables) usually can be purchased.
At dusk, slow boats will dock at a convenient town or settlement, so that better-off passengers can spend the night at local hotels, and leave again after dusk.