Light rail on Vietnam's largest island Phu Quoc brings country's signatures into 6 stations

The first light rail transit (LRT) line on Phu Quoc Island that will cut travel time between the airport and the APEC to 20 minutes showcased architectural elements inspired by Vietnam’s three major regions along its six stations. The Phu Quoc LRT system, a 17.59-km line costing nearly VND9 trillion (US$343 million), will connect Phu Quoc International Airport with the APEC Conference and Exhibition Center and the island's southern areas. Scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2027, it is expected to cut travel time from the airport to the convention center by about 20 minutes, finishing just in time for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Week in November 2027. The route will feature four flyovers at major intersections spanning a total of 1.3 km. The remaining track will consist of 14.3 km running at ground level and approximately 2 km built underground. A major highlight of the project is the architecture of its stations, which are designed to showcase distinctive features from Vietnam's diverse cultural regions. The line begins at Tay Bac (Northwest) Station, whose design evokes the rugged beauty of Vietnam's northern mountainous landscapes. To capture this aesthetic, the station utilizes yellow-beige tones, faux-stone materials, and ceramic panels. These elements seamlessly combine to create a visual effect reminiscent of the traditional rammed-earth houses built by highland ethnic communities. The station grounds will feature trumpet trees, white bauhinia trees and crape myrtles. The station grounds will feature trumpet trees, white bauhinia trees and crape myrtles. The station grounds will feature trumpet trees, white bauhinia trees and crape myrtles. Next along the route is Hanoi Station, which draws inspiration from the capital's historic Old Quarter. The design features paved surfaces that evoke ancient sidewalks and a roof structure reflecting traditional urban architecture. A warm bronze-yellow color palette ties the elements together, creating a familiar atmosphere reminiscent of Hanoi. Just outside the station, the layout includes access points to an underground passage, alongside the main waiting hall, a technical building, and a transformer station. Saigon Station draws its design inspiration from the Saigon Central Post Office. This historic landmark is ranked among the world's 11 most beautiful post offices, celebrated for preserving its distinctive Western architectural style for more than 130 years. The station's arched roof and blue color scheme create a stop that reflects the energetic and dynamic spirit of southern Vietnam's urban centers. The station's arched roof and blue color scheme create a stop that reflects the energetic and dynamic spirit of southern Vietnam's urban centers. Dao Ngoc Station is an underground facility, designed to connect directly to the APEC Conference and Exhibition Center. The station's design draws inspiration from the ancient Asian legend of a “carp transforming into a dragon.” According to the myth, if a brave carp successfully swims upstream and leaps over a high waterfall known as the Dragon Gate, the gods reward it by transforming it into a powerful golden dragon. The interior of the station incorporates imagery inspired by Phu Quoc’s traditional fish sauce production. The design utilizes white tones to represent sea salt and silver hues to symbolize fish. To complete the immersive effect, the station's lighting is designed to mimic movement underwater. As of early August, the project had disbursed VND1.8 trillion (US$68.78 million). The investor and contractors have accelerated construction across three main fronts: bridges, tunnels, and roadbeds. The teams are currently on schedule and plan to install the first section of railway track by the end of this month. Once operational, the light rail line will not only serve delegates attending the APEC events, but also provide a link between the airport and the south of Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island.