The most common variety is played with the flutist holding the sáo transversely to the right side with their mouth placed at the blowing hole.

The sáo is usually performed solo or in an ensemble among other instruments in orchestras of Vietnamese popular opera Chèo, Chầu văn, and Nhã nhạc.

[1][2] Located inside the bamboo tube, near the oval blowing hole, is a soft wooden piece that adjust pitches when necessary.

[1] The simple construction of the holes allow for very complex techniques in playing the instrument such as the use of breath with changes in the blowing angle for great or minute changes in sound quality, or partial-holding of finger holes to make delicate pitch changes.

[1] Examples of the difference between the two variations of the flute can be heard in Đinh Thìn's "Tiếng gọi mùa xuân" and Mão Mèo's performance of "tình xưa nghĩa cũ".