I took the boat a few years back when the road was bad and the buses uncomfortable and it took a long time. Then you either sat inside the a/c cabin with loud music and dirty windows or ouside. If you sat outside you had a very difficult time getting back inside the cabin if you wanted to. I found it interesting when near the shores but boring for the long ride over the lake. All of us got wet and sunburned. Plus you still have to get from the SR pier into the town. Once was enough. The road is excelent now and the buses especially the Mekong Express are quite good