The Khamu ethnic tribes are mainly found in northern Laos. Myanmar and South-western China. and Thailand. In China. they usually inhabit around the province of Guizhou.

The Khamu ethnic tribes are categorized under the Shan ethnic group since most of them live in this part of the country.

Some countries do not recognize them as a separate ethnic group and are placed under the broad category of undistinguished nationalities. But they are recognized as the Khamu in Myanmar. Their native language is called Khamu. They do not use money in their village and bata system is still carried out for their lives.