Expected by the end of December 2025, the Phu Quoc special zone will welcome 8.4 million tourists, nearly 10 times in just one decade (850,000 tourists in 2015). Tourist arrivals to Phu Quoc are predicted to continue to increase exponentially in the coming years. Facing the rapid increase in personal vehicles, especially putting pressure on the current urban infrastructure system, Phu Quoc cannot follow the old path. That is why the LRT urban electric train line connecting Phu Quoc International Airport to the APEC Convention Center is identified as a breakthrough solution.
Breakthrough solution for the environment
LRT is a model that has been strongly applied in many tourist and innovative cities around the world, such as Singapore, Dubai. This type is chosen to control the growth of personal vehicles, reduce emissions, ensure fast connectivity between the airport, urban centers, tourist areas, and major event venues. For Phu Quoc, an island possessing a gifted ecosystem, the development of green public transport holds particularly important significance in protecting the environment and natural landscape.
The LRT urban railway in Phu Quoc is designed to run underground, on the ground, and elevated, creating a smart transportation axis.
LRT operates on electricity instead of fossil fuels. According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), an electric train emits nearly 99% less carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons per operating mile compared to a personal car, thereby significantly contributing to improving air quality and reducing environmental pressure in urban areas. Therefore, the urban railway line in its first phase, with a total investment of VND 9,000 billion, is not only invested to serve APEC 2027 but also serves as a premise for expanding this type of transport throughout the island, opening a new era of green transportation for Phu Quoc.
Friendly and Safe for Tourism Development
Beyond serving transportation, LRT also contributes to enhancing the tourist experience due to its large transport capacity and higher safety level compared to personal vehicles or buses. LRT urban railway line phase 1 has a length of nearly 18 km, directly connecting the airport to the APEC Convention Center, resort complexes, and high-class entertainment areas in the South of the island in just 20 minutes. Especially with a maximum speed of up to 100 km/h and using 3-car trains, the maximum capacity can reach up to 4,500 passengers/hour. Thus, LRT is enhancing Phu Quoc's image as a modern, friendly, and professional destination.
Phu Quoc is promoting a comprehensive green transition, aiming to become Vietnam's first zero-emission urban area.
Creating a model of a “destination worth visiting, living, and investing in”
At APEC 2027, Phu Quoc will represent Vietnam in welcoming thousands of delegates, from high-level leaders of 21 member economies, ministers, senior officials, the business community, to global media forces.
Within the overall infrastructure projects serving the APEC 2027 Summit, APEC 2027 , the LRT urban electric train line plays a crucial role, contributing to completing Phu Quoc's modern and synchronized urban appearance, meeting the standards for hosting major international events. Beyond the meaning of a transportation project, the LRT – along with the APEC works – will become Phu Quoc's “new identity image”, strongly promoting the message of a high-quality ecological service and tourism center, and an international-class sea and island tourism destination.
Phu Quoc is becoming an island of 'uniques' like the only island with 2 fireworks shows per night.
