For me the best thing is the opportunity to learn about another culture. It is ongoing.
The challenges were the language and the cultural differences which can be addressed by learning the language and taking the time to be aware of the cultural needs.
Things that westerners take for granted can be a no no to Lao people.
Remembering to take shoes off when entering a dwelling, never raising your voice and showing anger, respect / deference to priests if attending a ceremony, same for elderly people.
For me the benefits lie in being accepted into into a completely different culture from my own. The learning curve is ongoing.
Our marriage was a full Lao ceremony. Started early morning with the priests coming to bless the steers to be killed to feed guests and then handing out gifts to them.
Then we went to separate houses for a meal and drinks with family and friends and then donning full Lao costumes, myself included. A walk to the house with my retinue to be challenged at the gate by wife's family, then feet washing at the door before being led into the house to kneel beside the wife for 2 hours whilst the wedding caller chanted the ancient wedding tomes. Then food drinks and dancing until midnight.
Never regretted the decision even though the paperwork took 12 months to organize.
Intercultural marriages are accepted in Laos.
