The Nam Ou, Nam Khan, Nam Tha, Nam Hgur, and Se Don rivers are also used for transportation. Ferry boats run to and from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and back, and from Luang Prabang to Huay Sai and back. Journeys by river ferry usually take several days. Charges, travel and departure times change seasonally. There are risks, and have been deaths associated with adventure sports such as white water and inner tube rafting in Laos.
Weather conditions are unpredictable.
Travellers are advised to consider the risks carefully before engaging in adventure sports in Laos. The quality of roads and vehicles in Laos is generally poor and there are dangers involved with provincial road travel. Buses are hot, dusty, poorly maintained and overcrowded, and bus accidents in remote areas are common. Where travellers choose to drive in Laos they should be aware that insurance provisions in Laos are minimal and in the event of a serious accident, particularly one that involves fatalities, the police may detain the persons involved in prison until compensation is paid. The amount of compensation depends on the circumstances, but it can sometimes be a very substantial sum.