Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Sparks A Tourism Revolution With First Private Light Rail Transforming Island Ahead Of APEC 2027

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Vietnam’s Phu Quoc is sparking a new tourism revolution with the development of its first private light rail system, designed to transform island connectivity and prepare the destination for the global spotlight of APEC 2027. The 17.59-kilometre rail network will link Phu Quoc International Airport, the APEC Convention and Exhibition Center and major resort areas, reducing travel times, improving visitor mobility and supporting the island’s rise as a world-class tourism and investment destination in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam’s largest island, Phu Quoc, is entering a new era of tourism growth with the development of its first private light rail system ahead of the APEC 2027 summit. The 17.59-kilometre light rail network will create a modern transport connection between Phu Quoc International Airport, the future APEC Convention and Exhibition Center, and the island’s southern resort areas, helping transform the destination into a more connected and sustainable global tourism hub.

The ambitious project is designed to support the island’s rapid growth by reducing travel times, improving mobility and providing visitors with a smart transportation option as international arrivals continue to increase.

Phu Quoc’s New Light Rail Project To Strengthen Tourism Connectivity

The upcoming Phu Quoc light rail system represents one of the island’s most important infrastructure developments as it prepares to welcome global leaders and visitors during APEC 2027. The route will follow Provincial Road DT975, which is currently being expanded into a wider 10-lane transport corridor to support future demand.

The railway will connect several key destinations, including the international airport, the convention centre and the southern resort zone. By linking major tourism and business areas, the project is expected to create smoother movement across the island while supporting long-term economic development.

The rail line will feature a combination of elevated, ground-level and underground sections. Around 0.78 kilometres of the route will operate on elevated tracks, while 14.81 kilometres will run at ground level. A further 2 kilometres will be constructed underground, allowing the system to adapt to Phu Quoc’s natural environment and urban landscape.

High-Speed Rail Link To Reduce Airport Journey Time

The new railway will be designed for speeds between 70 and 100 kilometres per hour, with the ability to transport approximately 4,500 passengers per hour. This capacity will help reduce pressure on existing road networks as visitor numbers grow.

Once completed, the light rail will significantly improve travel efficiency. The journey from Phu Quoc International Airport to the APEC Convention and Exhibition Center is expected to take only 18 to 20 minutes, offering travellers a faster and more comfortable alternative to traditional road transport.

The system will include five above-ground stations, while the final terminal will be built underground beneath the convention centre. The station network will provide convenient access for tourists, business travellers and local residents.

Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage Will Shape Unique Railway Stations

Beyond transportation, the Phu Quoc light rail project will also become a showcase of Vietnam’s cultural identity. Each station will feature a unique design inspired by different regions of the country, turning the journey into a cultural experience.

The Tay Bac station will represent Vietnam’s northern highland communities through beige and yellow colours, ceramic features and designs inspired by traditional rammed earth houses. Natural landscaping with pink trumpet trees and crape myrtles will enhance the connection between architecture and nature.

The Hanoi station will reflect the capital’s historic character with elements inspired by the Old Quarter, including traditional paving patterns and roof designs.

The Hue station will celebrate Vietnam’s imperial heritage through deep red tones inspired by the ancient citadel, while trees such as frangipani and flamboyant will add a historic atmosphere.

The Tay Nguyen station will highlight the traditions of the Central Highlands, drawing inspiration from rong communal houses, forests and natural landscapes.

The Sai Gon station will represent the energy of Ho Chi Minh City through modern curved structures inspired by the famous Saigon Central Post Office.

Underground Dao Ngoc Terminal To Celebrate Pearl Island Heritage

The final underground terminal, known as Dao Ngoc station, will showcase the identity of Phu Quoc as Vietnam’s Pearl Island. The design will combine local traditions, mythology and the island’s maritime heritage.

The station’s concept will be inspired by the Vietnamese legend of a carp transforming into a dragon, representing ambition, transformation and future growth.

Inside the underground terminal, design elements will highlight Phu Quoc’s famous fish sauce industry. White shades representing sea salt, silver details symbolising fish and special lighting effects inspired by underwater movements will create a distinctive passenger experience.

Vietnam’s First Privately Funded Urban Railway Marks Historic Milestone

The Phu Quoc light rail project is a landmark development as it becomes Vietnam’s first privately funded urban railway project. The initiative is being developed by Sun Group under a build-operate-transfer model.

The first phase involves an investment of nearly VND9 trillion, approximately US$342 million. Construction is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2027, allowing the railway to support preparations for the international summit.

Rail manufacturer CRRC Dalian has signed an agreement to provide 14 specially designed three-car trainsets for the system. The first trains are expected to arrive in January 2027 for testing and operational preparation.

Phu Quoc Accelerates Infrastructure Growth Ahead Of Global Attention

Construction of the light rail system is progressing rapidly, with major milestones already completed. Work on bridge foundations, tunnels, stations and roadbed development is moving forward as the island prepares for increased visitor demand.

The railway is part of a wider transformation programme involving major tourism facilities, transport upgrades and international event infrastructure. Under Vietnam’s development plans, Phu Quoc is supporting 21 APEC-related projects with a combined investment value of around VND137.138 trillion, approximately US$5.2 billion.

These projects include airport expansion and the construction of the APEC Convention and Exhibition Center, strengthening the island’s ability to host major international events.

Phu Quoc Emerges As Southeast Asia’s Next Smart Tourism Destination

With an area of more than 570 square kilometres, Phu Quoc has become one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. The island is known for its beaches, luxury resorts, marine activities and natural landscapes, attracting visitors from around the world.

The new light rail network is expected to become a major part of Phu Quoc’s future tourism strategy by improving connectivity, reducing congestion and creating a more seamless travel experience.

As APEC 2027 approaches, Phu Quoc is moving beyond traditional island tourism and building a modern destination supported by advanced infrastructure, cultural innovation and sustainable transport solutions. The project marks a major step towards positioning Vietnam’s Pearl Island as a leading tourism hub in Southeast Asia.