The Khmu, also spelled Khamu, Kemu, and Khammu, are an indigenous Southeast Asian people group who primarily came from northern Laos where they constitute one of the largest minority people groups. They came as refugees to the United States due to the Vietnam War.

Traditionally, they passed down their culture via the recital of stories around evening fires. The story-telling sessions involved the sharing of silver pipes (originally opium, but now predominantly tobacco). They also often tattooed themselves for both decorative and religious reasons. (To learn how the Khmu in the United States are preserving their cultural heritage, see Tayenh.)

The majority settled in California, which is home to the Khmu National Federation, Inc. located in San Pablo, the Khmu Community of Orange County, the Khmu Student Foundation, and the Khmu Catholic National Center.

The majority are Buddhist mixed with animistic beliefs and practices. However, another large percentage are Roman Catholics. A small percentage, around 3 percent, are evangelical Christians.