In the new phase of Pearl Island (Dao Ngoc)'s infrastructure development, urban railway LRT Phu Quoc holds special significance by converging three roles simultaneously: the first urban railway line in Vietnam, transportation infrastructure directly serving APEC 2027 , and a project guiding the urban spatial organization of an economic zone.
With a total investment of nearly 9,000 billion VND, the LRT line connects International Airport Phu Quoc with APEC Convention Center, contributing to the formation of a modern public transportation axis and gradually shaping the urban development structure of Pearl Island (Dao Ngoc) towards synchronization and sustainability. In the context of Phu Quoc accelerating infrastructure completion to meet the requirements of organizing international events and operating large-scale urban areas, the urban railway LRT Phu Quoc project is considered foundational infrastructure, directly impacting the competitiveness, destination image, and long-term development potential of Phu Quoc.
Project perspective of the LRT Phu Quoc urban railway line.
1. When did the LRT Phu Quoc urban railway project commence?
On December 19, within the framework of the groundbreaking, inauguration, and technical opening ceremony of projects celebrating the 14th National Congress of the Party, the urban railway line (light rail - LRT) was officially commenced in Phu Quoc.
The LRT Phu Quoc urban railway project is the first urban railway line in Vietnam, invested by Sun Group Corporation under the BOT form, marking a deeper participation of the private economic sector in the modern public transport infrastructure sector.
Upon operation, Phu Quoc will also become the first city in Vietnam to own an LRT system, bringing the Jade Island closer to the urban operation standards of leading regional destinations such as Singapore or Dubai.
2. Scale of the LRT Phu Quoc urban railway project
According to the plan, LRT Phu Quoc urban railway phase 1 has a total length of 17.59 km, built on the provincial road DT.975 – a 10-lane road, serving as the backbone connecting the South Island area.
A special feature of the project is its direct connection from Phu Quoc International Airport to the APEC Organizing Center, thereby forming an important transport axis serving not only APEC 2027 but also future tourism, resort, and large-scale event activities of the Jade Island.
LRT Phu Quoc phase 1 has a total length of 17.59 km.
The LRT Phu Quoc urban railway line significantly reduces pressure on the road transport system during peak periods and international events, while ensuring strict security and safety requirements for high-level diplomatic activities. More importantly, owning a modern urban railway line connecting directly from the airport to the convention center, tourist areas, and key functional spaces also contributes to building Phu Quoc's image as a professional, modern destination ready to meet international event and tourism standards.
3. Route structure and station system of the LRT Phu Quoc urban railway line
The LRT Phu Quoc urban railway line is designed with a flexible model, combining elevated sections, ground-level running, and an underground section in the APEC Convention Center area to simultaneously meet technical, landscape, and security requirements.
Along the entire 17.59 km route, the system is equipped with 6 stations, including 5 ground stations and 1 underground station located at the APEC Convention Center. The operating vehicle is the most modern LRT train currently available, with 3 carriages, a design speed of 70 – 100 km/h, and a transport capacity of approximately 4,500 passengers/hour, significantly reducing travel time from Phu Quoc International Airport to the APEC Convention Center and the southern island tourist areas to only about 20 minutes, contributing to improving public transport efficiency and travel experience in Phu Quoc.
The Phu Quoc LRT line includes elevated sections, ground-level running, and an underground section.
4. Objectives and implementation progress of the Phu Quoc LRT urban railway project
According to the plan, Phase 1 of the Phu Quoc LRT urban railway has a total investment of nearly 9,000 billion VND and is expected to be completed in Q2/2027.
At the same time as the commencement of the Phu Quoc LRT urban railway, the locality is also simultaneously implementing 3 other important infrastructure projects serving APEC, including: Duong Dong Lake 2, Ham Ninh Resettlement Area Project, and Cua Can Resettlement Area Project. This indicates that Phu Quoc is entering a phase of accelerated synchronous infrastructure investment, and the LRT urban railway plays a central connecting role.
5. LRT urban railway: An important 'turning point' for the Phu Quoc island city to develop green and sustainably
The Phu Quoc LRT urban railway is identified as an infrastructure project of strategic significance for the special zone, linked to the objective of hosting APEC 2027 and the long-term urban spatial development orientation.
5.1. Green, emission-free transportation
The Phu Quoc LRT urban railway uses an emission-free energy source, in line with the green and sustainable development orientation of the Pearl Island. Once operational, the LRT urban railway line is expected to contribute to reducing pressure on the road transport system, limiting the increase of private vehicles, and encouraging residents and tourists to switch to modern, civilized forms of public transportation.
This is particularly important for Phu Quoc, as its road transport infrastructure often faces significant pressure during peak tourist seasons and large-scale events.
5.2. Shaping new tourism and service spaces
According to long-term planning, the Phu Quoc LRT urban railway line will continue to be studied for expansion to the Duong Dong area and An Thoi Port, gradually forming a public transport network connecting key residential, tourism, service, and logistics centers on the island.
Direct connection from Phu Quoc International Airport to resorts, entertainment complexes, and convention centers in the South Island area will not only enhance the travel experience for tourists but also increase Phu Quoc's competitiveness compared to regional destinations, while promoting a 'tourism without personal vehicles' model, aiming for green, convenient, and sustainable tourism development.
Phu Quoc LRT (Light Rail Transit) is identified as a strategically important infrastructure project for the special zone.
5.3. Phu Quoc LRT (Light Rail Transit) and the infrastructure turning point for Jade Island
It can be seen that the Phu Quoc LRT (Light Rail Transit) is not merely a transportation project, but also a symbol of Phu Quoc's ambition to develop into a modern, green, and sustainable urban area, capable of hosting large-scale international events. In the context of Vietnam preparing for APEC 2027, this urban electric train line with a total investment of nearly 9,000 billion VND is expected to create a strategic infrastructure boost, contributing to enhancing the national image on the international stage, while shaping the long-term development foundation for the Phu Quoc special zone in the new phase.
The Phu Quoc LRT (Light Rail Transit) is an infrastructure project of significant importance for the long-term development of Jade Island, and is closely linked to the goal of successfully organizing APEC 2027 in Vietnam. With its large scale, modern design, and green transportation orientation, this urban electric train line is expected to contribute to enhancing connectivity, reducing pressure on road traffic, and supporting sustainable tourism development. Upon completion and operation, the Phu Quoc LRT (Light Rail Transit) will not only meet the immediate infrastructure requirements for international events, but also play a crucial role in shaping the future urban landscape of Phu Quoc island.
