In battle uniform, the same costume is worn, but with the trousers wrapped around the legs and tucked into the boots, and an apron embroidered with dragons worn over the tunic. The Queen wears a long tunic of yellow or white silk with narrow sleeves embroidered with a phoenix and a hat decorated with nine phoenixes set in sparkling stones, bordered by pendants and trinkets. A decorated apron is also worn over her trousers. Civil mandarins wear long tunics embroidered with unicorns, with large sleeves having silk balancing-flaps, considered full dress at the Imperial Court. A belt embroidered or inlaid with turtle scales, black leather boots, high black hats and red pompons completes their costume.
Military mandarins wear the same costume as the civil, except for the hat.
A tunic in blue or red with narrow sleeves and a simple belt is also part of the military mandarin's costume. It has been said that the classical Viet-namese theatre is a kind of opera. Indeed, all the plays are accompanied by songs, and are characterized by the alternation of arias and recitations. A small orchestra, usually located in the wings to the right of the stage, accompanies. The music consists of popular tunes arranged according to the maestro's inspiration.