The first phase of the LRT project is being developed by Sun Group under a build-operate-transfer model, with a total investment of nearly 9 trillion VND. It is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2027.
Stretching nearly 18 kilometres and comprising six stations, the line will directly connect Phu Quoc International Airport with the APEC Convention and Exhibition Centre and the tourism ecosystem in the southern part of the island, cutting travel time to around 20 minutes.
The project is expected to become a new landmark for Phu Quoc, distinguished by the architectural identity of its stations. Each station is designed as a cultural touchpoint that tells a story about Vietnam.
Rendering of Tay Bac Station, one of the six stations along the Phu Quoc LRT line. Photo: Sun Group
One journey, six cultural experiences
Along the Phu Quoc LRT line, the six stations are envisioned as six cultural snapshots, taking passengers from the mountains of the northwest through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the former imperial capital of Hue, the Central Highlands and vibrant Ho Chi Minh City before arriving amid the blue seascapes of Phu Quoc.
Within around 20 minutes, a journey across Vietnam gradually unfolds through architecture, materials, colours and landscaping.
The journey begins at Tay Bac Station, where the beauty of Vietnam’s mountainous northwest is evoked through natural golden-beige stone, irregularly cut ceramic surfaces and patterns reminiscent of the rammed-earth walls traditionally built by highland communities.
Pink trumpet trees, white orchid trees and crape myrtles are interwoven with the station’s earthy tones, bringing the atmosphere of the mountains and forests into the architectural space.
Leaving the highlands behind, the train takes passengers into the elegant and contemplative atmosphere of Hanoi. Floor patterns recall the pavements of the Old Quarter, while the roof structure draws inspiration from traditional urban architecture and weathered bronze-yellow tones.
Without recreating the capital literally, Hanoi Station still evokes a familiar sense of the thousand-year-old city of culture.
Hanoi Station draws inspiration from the architecture of the Old Quarter. Rendering: Sun Group
While Hanoi Station reflects the quiet rhythm of an old city, Hue Station gives the impression that the journey has slowed by a beat.
Deep imperial red is combined with contemporary geometric forms, retelling the story of royal architecture through a modern design language. Beneath frangipani and flamboyant trees and layers of roofing inspired by the former imperial capital, a graceful and historic Hue emerges with understated elegance.
From central Vietnam, the train continues to Tay Nguyen Station, where the forms of communal houses, the vast forests, gong culture and cascading waterfalls are translated into architectural lines.
Stone surfaces, natural wood grains and large green canopies evoke the powerful and free-spirited character of the basalt highlands.
Hue Station reflects the heritage of the former imperial capital through deep red tones and architecture inspired by the royal court. Rendering: Sun Group
At Sai Gon Station, the atmosphere shifts towards a younger and more open rhythm.
Curved rooflines reminiscent of the Saigon Central Post Office are combined with contemporary architectural elements, creating a stop that reflects the energetic, generous and outward-looking spirit of the southern metropolis.
The journey concludes at Dao Ngoc Station, an underground station directly connected to the APEC Convention Centre.
At ground level, the imagery of a carp transforming into a dragon represents the aspiration to rise and prosper. Below ground, passengers enter a space inspired by Phu Quoc’s traditional fish sauce industry, featuring the white tones of sea salt, the silver shimmer of schools of fish and interwoven layers of moving light.
Modern yet deeply rooted in local identity, the station serves as Phu Quoc’s welcome to visitors from around the world.
“Rather than simply serving as places for passengers to board and alight, each station on the Phu Quoc LRT line has been designed by Sun Group as a destination in its own right, carrying a distinct story about the culture and architecture of northern, central and southern Vietnam,” the project’s chief architect said.
Tay Nguyen Station evokes the atmosphere of the Central Highlands through communal house-inspired forms and wood-grain materials. Rendering: Sun Group
A train carrying Vietnamese culture to the world
When APEC 2027 takes place, Phu Quoc is expected to welcome thousands of delegates, heads of state, business leaders and international visitors.
From Phu Quoc International Airport, the LRT line will connect them with the APEC Convention Centre and resorts in the southern part of the island, making it one of the first journeys international visitors experience upon arriving in Phu Quoc.
The journey will be more than a transfer from the airport to the conference venue.
From the first stops, passengers will be able to experience a multifaceted Vietnam - rustic yet refined, contemplative yet full of vitality.
Each station will therefore serve as an architectural calling card, introducing Vietnam’s landscapes, people and regional identities to the world.
Sai Gon Station reflects the youthful and energetic character of Vietnam’s southern metropolis. Rendering: Sun Group
“A rail system can shorten geographical distances. But when it is designed with a strong sense of identity, it can also bring cultures closer together. We hope the stations of the Phu Quoc LRT system will become the first cultural touchpoints through which international visitors experience the beauty of Vietnam,” a representative of the design unit said.
Construction of the Phu Quoc LRT project began in December 2025. It is Vietnam’s first light rail system to be invested in by a private enterprise.
The 17.59-kilometre line comprises six stations and will directly connect Phu Quoc International Airport with the APEC Convention and Exhibition Centre and Sun Group’s entertainment and tourism ecosystem in the southern part of the island.
Once operational, the line will not only serve delegates attending APEC but also reduce travel time for local residents and visitors travelling to the south of the island to around 20 minutes.
It is also expected to ease pressure on the road network and expand access to green transport options across Phu Quoc.
Phu Quoc Station is designed in white and blue tones inspired by the island’s coastal landscape. Rendering: Sun Group
At the construction site, intense sunshine and periods of heavy island rain have not slowed the pace of work.
All bored piles for the bridges have now been completed, while work on tunnels, stations and the track foundation is being carried out simultaneously.
Rail installation is expected to begin in late August, as the project moves towards completion on schedule to serve APEC 2027.
“We expect the LRT line to leave a strong impression on international visitors not only through its speed and technology, but also through the Vietnamese spirit embedded in each architectural space. Together with other major projects being developed for APEC, the project will help elevate Phu Quoc’s position and bring the image of a modern yet culturally distinctive Vietnam closer to the world,” a Sun Group representative said.
