Phu Quoc’s First Railway: What It Means for Travelers

20 August 2026

AI-generated conceptual visualization of Phu Quoc’s planned LRT.

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Vietnam’s largest island is preparing for a major transformation ahead of APEC 2027. Among the projects taking shape is Phu Quoc’s first light rail system, designed to make traveling between the airport and the island’s south faster and easier.

Phu Quoc has changed considerably over the past decade. Once known primarily for quiet beaches, fishing villages, and pepper farms, the island has developed into one of Vietnam’s most ambitious tourism destinations.

Now, another major change is underway.

Phu Quoc is building its first urban railway, a 17.59-kilometer light rail route connecting Phu Quoc International Airport with the APEC Convention and Exhibition Center and the island’s rapidly developing southern area. 

The project is part of a much wider infrastructure push ahead of APEC 2027, which Phu Quoc will host next year.

From the Airport to Southern Phu Quoc in Around 20 Minutes

For travelers, the most noticeable difference could simply be time.

The railway is designed for speeds of up to 100 km/h, with the journey between the airport and the final station expected to take approximately 18–20 minutes. The line will include five above-ground stations and one underground station near the APEC complex. 

This matters because southern Phu Quoc has become an increasingly important part of the island’s tourism landscape, home to resorts and attractions around areas such as An Thoi and Hoang Hon Town.

Improved connectivity could make combining the south with other parts of the island considerably easier, particularly for shorter stays and travelers who prefer to minimize transfer time.

Stations Inspired by Vietnam

The railway is also being designed as more than a functional transportation system.

According to plans presented for the project, its stations will incorporate architectural and cultural references to different regions of Vietnam.

One station takes inspiration from Hanoi, another from the imperial architecture of Hue, while others reference the Central Highlands and Saigon. The underground station at the end of the route will incorporate elements associated with Phu Quoc itself, including the island’s famous fish sauce heritage. 

It is an unusual approach that aims to give travelers small introductions to Vietnam’s regional identities while moving across the island.

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Part of a Much Bigger Transformation

The railway is only one piece of Phu Quoc’s preparations for APEC 2027.

A total of 21 major infrastructure projects are being developed in preparation for the event, spanning transportation, utilities, public infrastructure, and facilities for the summit. 

Phu Quoc International Airport is also undergoing a major expansion. Plans include a second runway, expanded passenger facilities, and a new international terminal, with the airport ultimately designed to handle substantially more passengers. Other projects include upgrades to roads and port infrastructure as well as the new APEC multifunctional complex. 

While APEC is accelerating these investments, their impact will extend well beyond the event itself.

What Does It Mean for Future Travelers?

From our perspective at MakeYourAsia, connectivity is the development worth watching most closely.

Phu Quoc already works well as a beach extension to a wider Vietnam itinerary. Easier airport connections and improved infrastructure could make it even more convenient to combine a few days on the island with Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, or a longer journey through Vietnam.

For travel planners, improved transportation also gives greater flexibility when designing shorter stays. Less time spent transferring between the airport and resort areas means more time travelers can actually spend enjoying the destination.

At the same time, Phu Quoc is developing quickly. That makes thoughtful itinerary planning increasingly important. The island today offers everything from quiet beaches and local communities to large-scale resorts and entertainment complexes — and the right experience depends heavily on where travelers stay and what they want from their time on the island.

That is where local knowledge continues to matter, railway or no railway.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The new railway is currently expected to be completed in Q2 2027, ahead of APEC later that year. 

Much can still change before then, and infrastructure timelines can evolve. But one thing is already clear: Phu Quoc in 2027 will look different from Phu Quoc today.

For travelers, that should mean easier connections and more choices. For those of us designing journeys through Vietnam, it gives us even more possibilities for how the island can fit into a wider trip.

Planning Vietnam for 2027? Talk to our team about incorporating Phu Quoc into your itinerary.