Although their facial features are clearly Mongoloid, the Saam claim no relation to the Mongolian race. The Saam Rai are primarily rice farmers. Unfortunately, they have been limited by insufficient knowledge of technology, causing a poor yield in crops. They farm rice in the low-lying areas, and raise potatoes, maize, wheat, and barley at higher altitudes. The men are responsible for plowing the fields, while the women take care of planting the seeds.
Families often unite to help each other at harvest time.
The Saam Rai typically live in stone or wooden houses made with thatched roofs. The houses usually have wooden porches around the outside. Collectively, the Rai are known as very courageous, daring, and fearless people. In recent history, they have won worldwide respect for their bravery in the Royal Nepalese Army. Joining the army is often a way out of enduring economic hardship.