Men marry into their wives' households, staying several years with their wives' parents before building a new house often in the same compound. The youngest daughter usually looks after her parents in old age and inherits the lion's share of the property. Villages are surrounded on all sides by rice paddies. In large villages there is usually a temple, where monks and novices reside, and a local school. The Isan consider themselves Buddhist, but in addition to Buddhism they believe in many spirits which are found in persons, in nature and in the universe.
Monks receive food from villagers on a daily basis and in return the villagers gain merit by giving.
Monks also perform cremation rituals. Rituals pertaining to birth, marriage, sickness and exorcising bad spirits are conducted by Brahmin priests. These priests use Buddhist texts as well as magical spells, a legacy from contact with the ancient Khmer Empire. The village of Na Din Dam is located in Loei province which has as its northern border the Mekong River. This province is known for its natural beauty - limestone cliffs and lush forests.