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 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 pompone complete 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's costume. The classical Vietnamese theater is a kind of opera. 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 orchestra includes a vertical violin, a guitare with silken strings, a sa o, a trumpet, a clarinet and a long narrow drum.