Expected by the end of December 2025, Phu Quoc special zone will welcome 8.4 million tourist arrivals, nearly 10 times higher in just one decade (850,000 arrivals in 2015). Tourist arrivals to Phu Quoc are predicted to continue growing 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 creative cities worldwide, such as Singapore and Dubai. This type of transport is chosen to control the growth of personal vehicles, reduce emissions, and ensure rapid connectivity between airports, urban centers, tourist areas, and major event venues. For Phu Quoc, an island blessed with a natural ecosystem, the development of green public transport is of special importance in protecting the environment and natural landscape.
The LRT urban electric train 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 hydrocarbon 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 electric train line in Phase 1, 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.
Environmentally friendly and safe for tourism development
In addition to serving transportation, LRT also contributes to enhancing the tourism experience due to its large transport capacity and greater safety compared to personal vehicles or buses. The LRT train line in Phase 1 has a length of nearly 18 km, directly connecting the airport to the APEC Convention Center, and the high-class resort and entertainment complex in the South of the island within 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 strongly promoting a comprehensive green transition, with the goal of becoming Vietnam's first zero-emission city.
Creating a model of a 'destination worth visiting, worth living in, and worth investing in'
At APEC 2027, Phu Quoc will represent Vietnam in welcoming thousands of delegates, from senior leaders of 21 member economies, ministers, senior officials, the business community, to global media forces.
Phu Quoc is becoming an island of "uniques" as the only island with 2 fireworks shows per night.
Within the overall infrastructure projects serving the APEC 2027 Summit, the LRT urban railway plays a crucial role, contributing to the completion of Phu Quoc's modern and synchronized urban landscape, meeting the standards for organizing major international events. Beyond its significance as a transportation project, LRT – along with the APEC works – will become Phu Quoc's "new identity," strongly promoting the message of a high-quality ecological service and tourism center, and an international-class sea and island tourism destination.
