The 17,59 km light rail transit line, with a total investment of nearly 9,000 ty VND, will connect Phu Quoc International Airport to the APEC Convention and Exhibition Center and the Southern island area. Comprising 6 stations, the line is expected to be completed by Q2/2027, reducing travel time from the airport to the convention center to about 20 minutes.

A highlight of the project is the station architecture. Instead of a unified design language, each station features its own theme, recreating the distinctive characteristics of Vietnam's cultural regions.

The line begins with the Northwest Station, whose design evokes the beauty of the northern mountainous region. The space incorporates beige-yellow tones, faux stone materials, and ceramic panels, creating an effect reminiscent of the traditional rammed-earth walls found in highland communities. The landscape is enhanced with plants such as pink trumpet trees, white orchid trees, and crape myrtle.

The Northwest Station, the starting point of the line, connects to Phu Quoc Airport.

Next is the Hanoi Station, inspired by the Old Quarter. Its paved paths evoke old sidewalks, while the building roofs feature traditional urban architecture and bronze-yellow hues, creating a sense of familiarity with the capital's ambiance.

Hanoi Station.

Upon reaching the Hue Station, the design language shifts to red tones, recalling the imperial city and palace architecture. Modern forms combine with the building roofs and a landscape of frangipani and phoenix trees, crafting a space marked by the ancient capital's identity.

From the Central region, the train proceeds to the Here, inspiration from Rong house roofs, vast forests, gong sounds, and cascading waterfalls translates into architectural lines. Natural stone colors, wood grain, and large trees greening the space evoke the powerful, free-spirited imagery of the basalt land.

Hue Station.

The Saigon Station adopts a youthful, modern style with arched curves reminiscent of the Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office's architecture. The space features an open-plan design, reflecting the dynamic pace of the Southern metropolis.

Saigon Station.

The final stop is the Pearl Island Station, an underground facility directly connecting to the APEC Convention and Exhibition Center. Its above-ground level design draws inspiration from the "carp transforming into a dragon" imagery. The underground space, meanwhile, explores the traditional Phu Quoc fish sauce production through the white hues of sea salt, the silver gleam of fish, and lighting systems mimicking underwater movement.

Central Highlands Station.

According to the design team, each station is envisioned as a destination, telling its own story of the culture and architecture of Vietnam's three regions: North, Central, and South. This approach aims to showcase Vietnamese identity to international delegates and tourists arriving in Phu Quoc, rather than merely serving as a transport facility.

Once operational, the light rail line will not only serve the transport needs of APEC delegates but also connect the airport to the Southern island area, helping to alleviate traffic congestion and supplement public transport options on the island.

Phu Quoc Station.

The project began construction in 12/2025. To date, all bored piles for the bridges have been completed, and many tunnel, station, and roadbed components are under simultaneous construction. Track installation is scheduled to begin in late 8/2026 to ensure completion by 2027.

By Doan Loan

Photos: Sun Group