Vietnam's largest island Phu Quoc races to finish light rail, 10-lane road and airport expansion before APEC 2027
From a major road corridor to an integrated transport axis combining roads, light rail and connections to air and sea gateways, Phu Quoc is accelerating the development of multimodal infrastructure as it prepares to host APEC 2027, while laying the groundwork for longer-term growth.
Vietnam's largest island, Phu Quoc, is rapidly advancing in its development of critical infrastructure to prepare for the APEC 2027 summit. The Phu Quoc International Airport and its surrounding areas are undergoing significant upgrades to support the event and foster long-term growth.
A key project is the DT975 corridor, which connects the airport with the APEC Convention Center. This 17.59-km route features a 10-lane road, a light rail transit (LRT) line, and stations with designs inspired by Vietnam's diverse regions. The LRT will run for 14.81 km underground, on elevated structures, and at ground level, with six stations planned along its path.
The APEC Boulevard, a 3-km ceremonial route, will be constructed alongside the DT975, incorporating LED screens and electronic displays to showcase Vietnam's culture to international visitors. Landscape and environmental integration are also priorities, with a continuous green corridor featuring bougainvillea along the central median of the corridor.
Construction is being accelerated to meet the APEC 2027 deadline, with 65% of the technical trench work completed as of early September. All four bridges along the route are under construction, and the road paving is scheduled to be completed in stages from late 2026 to early 2027. The LRT installation is expected to be finished within the next six months.
Phu Quoc's transport network expansion is expected to create a strong foundation for the island's future development, serving as a model for other regions. The island, which covers 1,553 sq.km and is home to 51 neighborhoods, envisions itself as a world-class eco-tourism hub and a venue for significant events and services. The multimodal network, including Phu Quoc International Airport, coastal roads, and the APEC Boulevard, aims to enhance Phu Quoc's transport capacity and position it as a key player in Vietnam's infrastructure landscape.
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