NEED TO KNOW

Ahead of the APEC 2027 Summit, Vietnam’s Phu Quoc flaunts a billion-dollar transformation to become a world-class destination for business, luxury, and leisure, wholly reinventing the island’s singular tropical image. Supported by Sun Group, key milestones include the expansion of the modern international airport, Vietnam’s first state-of-the-art Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, and a luxurious “hotel city” by the coast. At the center of this evolution is the APEC Complex, an architectural marvel comprising The Convention & Exhibition Centre and The Multipurpose Theatre, set to host international standard events.

WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA?

In record time, Vietnam’s quiet island of Phu Quoc has emerged as an ever-developing business and lifestyle hub, where seamless connectivity, advanced future-proofing infrastructure, and lively entertainment come together to present Phu Quoc as a multi-layered destination.

From Phu Quoc to the World: A Gateway Reimagined

It begins with the monumental expansion of Phu Quoc’s International Airport, which is now equipped to receive wide-body aircrafts, such as Airbus A350. Together with the addition of a second runway completed in just 11 months and an expanded apron featuring 120 aircraft parking stands, the Terminal 2 (T2) at Phu Quoc International Airport, combined with Terminal 1 (T1), will see its passenger capacity swell to an impressive 24 million annually, with plans for further expansion to 50 million, providing a solid foundation for the long-term growth of both the tourism industry and the regional economy.

Aerial architectural rendering of the new Phu Quoc International Airport terminal featuring a distinctive sweeping silver roof shaped like a phoenix, surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and a secondary runway. — This architectural visualization showcases the full scale of the Phu Quoc International Airport expansion project.

The light-filled modern arrival hall at Phu Quoc International Airport.

Modern architecture and flowing lines make all arrivals memorable at Phu Quoc International Airport. — Modern architecture and flowing lines make all arrivals memorable.

The feeling of the island's embrace carries right through to the departure hall at Phu Quoc International Airport. — The feeling of the island’s embrace carries right through to the departure hall.

Flowing lines and plenty of space at Phu Quoc International's departure hall conjure up comparisons with Singapore's award-winning Changi Airport. — Flowing lines and plenty of space at the departure hall conjure up comparisons with Singapore’s award-winning Changi Airport.

At the heart of this digital overhaul is Total Airport Management (TAM)—the most modern and seamless strategic framework in aviation today. By integrating airside, landside, and terminal operations into a single, cohesive system, TAM powers a full suite of high-tech conveniences. This includes touchless biometric journeys, automated baggage handling (ICS), and high-end security screening that cuts check-in times to a mere 15 to 20 seconds.

Central to this aviation evolution is the strategic partnership between Sun Group and Changi Airports International (CAI). Under this collaboration, Phu Quoc International Airport will be managed according to the prestigious “Changi standards,” transforming it into Vietnam’s first “airport destination.” This 5-star operational model redefines the facility as a world-class hub featuring a premium non-aeronautical ecosystem of global retail, F&B, and duty-free brands, ensuring a distinctive passenger experience from the moment of arrival.

Architectural rendering of the new Phu Quoc International Airport arrival hall featuring high ceilings, undulating woven light installations, large glass windows with sunset views, and modern lounge seating. — The reimagined VIP arrival hall at Phu Quoc International Airport blends modern luxury with maritime-inspired art and expansive views of the runway.

Interior architectural rendering of the Phu Quoc Airport departure hall featuring a canopy of suspended woven "fishing net" light fixtures, luxury lounge seating, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sunset. — The expansive VIP departure lounge for the new Phu Quoc International Airport terminal is as impressive as the arrivals hall.

Grand Hall architectural rendering of Phu Quoc International Airport featuring a high vaulted ceiling, a long red carpet, marble service counters, and a large glass-roofed atrium with views of mountains and airplanes. — The majestic Grand Hall at the new Phu Quoc International Airport expansion, designed with a vaulted ceiling and ceremonial red carpet to welcome dignitaries.

Luxury interior rendering of the Phu Quoc Airport Minister Lounge featuring lotus-shaped pendant lights, intricate wooden lattice walls, velvet green armchairs, and a private executive desk. — The Minister Lounge within the new Phu Quoc International Airport features an opulent design.

Luxury state lounge rendering at Phu Quoc International Airport featuring oversized traditional lantern-inspired pendant lights, dark wood paneling, marble accents, and plush velvet seating on a wave-patterned rug. — The exclusive State Lounge at Phu Quoc International Airport’s VIP Terminal, designed with a deep ocean aesthetic to welcome global leaders for APEC 2027.

Achieving record-breaking milestones, the VIP terminal by renowned architect Marco Casamonti is scheduled to be fully operational by October 2026. As for the centerpiece of the aviation rehaul, the all-new Terminal 2, designed in the silhouette of a majestic phoenix by CPG Consultants (Singapore), is set to welcome arrivals by March 2027.

For World Leaders and Beyond: The Epicenter of Diplomacy

Opening in time for APEC 2027, the APEC Complex is a VND 21,860 billion (USD 830,011,084) engineering spectacle designed to host the world’s most prestigious events. The architecture of the complex draws deeply from the East Asian philosophy of “Square Earth and Round Sky,” creating a symbolic harmony between human heritage and nature

The first component, the Convention & Exhibition Centre, represents “Earth” with its solid, square-shaped block. While the foundation is grounded and firm, the roof is designed with soft, undulating waves inspired by the rolling hills and coastline of Phu Quoc. This 157,375-square-meter landmark houses a record-breaking 11,500-square-meter column-free ballroom and a 2,000-seat Dinner Show Space.

In contrast, the multipurpose theater represents the “Sky” through its elegant circular form. Its striking roof is meticulously crafted to resemble dragon scales, a direct reference to the legendary “Con Rồng Cháu Tiên” (Children of the Dragon, Grandchildren of the Immortal) folklore of Vietnam. Supported by 50 massive structural frames, the building tells a story of national identity and ancestral pride. Designed by SOM and Aperiro, this 4,030-seat venue features world-class acoustics, positioning it as Asia’s next premier destination for global concerts and performances.

A view of Phu Quoc's shoreline as it transforms for APEC 2027.

Bai Dat Do (Ruby Beach) Mixed-Use Urban Area will become a coastal “hotel city,” fully integrating accommodation, commerce, services, tourism, and luxury hotels, supported by synchronized social and technical infrastructure. In addition to 15 high-rise beachfront hotels with nearly 6,500 5-star rooms, the project will feature towers up to 40 stories, integrating luxury hotels.

A New Era of Hospitality: A $2.47 Billion “Hotel City”

To accommodate the island’s rapid development, and the eventual influx of travelers, business executives, and world leaders, Bai Dat Do, known as Ruby Beach, is chosen as the island’s visionary epicenter for luxury and lifestyle, with the arrival of 6,500 rooms from 13 internationally recognised hospitality brands. This hospitality landscape has been significantly bolstered by an expanded strategic partnership between Sun Group and Marriott International, which will see the development of numerous new hotels and resorts across the island. This collaboration brings a diverse portfolio of coveted global brands to Phu Quoc, including the debut of W Hotels and Moxy Hotels in Vietnam, alongside Marriott Hotels, Westin, Le Méridien, and Courtyard by Marriott.

Conveniently located between APEC Complex and Sunset Town, this exceptional portfolio, combined with existing icons like JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa, elevates Vietnam’s competitiveness on the global tourism map and expands the island’s capacity to host massive international MICE events.

Seamless Connectivity: Green Transit

Shuttle between Phu Quoc’s shiny new architectural icons upon Vietnam’s first Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, a VND 9,000 billion (USD 341.68 million) project that efficiently eases everyday commutes. It will run parallel to the 17.7-kilometer Route 975—a 10-lane bypass directly connecting Phu Quoc International Airport to the APEC Complex— with the ability to transport 4,500 passengers an hour, introducing a new chapter of smart, green mobility.

WHAT CAN VISITORS EXPECT TODAY?

While Phu Quoc continues to transform and evolve, further down the coast is the well-established Sunset Town, an immersive, first-of-its-kind entertainment hub inspired by the charming romance of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. During the day, the dynamic destination invites the ease of Mediterranean living with European-style architecture, including the Kiss Bridge inspired by Michelangelo’s iconic Creation of Adam, along with scenic attractions—the Hon Thom Cable Car, world’s longest three-wire cable car, which connects Sunset Town to Hon Thom Island in an eight-kilometer journey over sparkling azure waters towards Aquatopia, Southeast Asia’s leading water park.

As the sun sets, Sunset Town comes alive with dazzling entertainment options. Visitors will get treated with “a feast for the eyes” every single day with fireworks from two world-class shows: Kiss of the Sea and Symphony of the Sea, which light up the island’s sandy shores in prismatic shades. Stroll around the town to find yourself at Vui-Fest Bazaar, Phu Quoc’s largest night market. At Phu Quoc, from dusk till dawn, the fun never truly ends.

Completing the town’s eventful offerings is globe-trotting cuisine to suit every appetite. At Sunset Bazaar, restaurants offer a delectable variety, from Japanese to European and Vietnamese. Sink into the five-star comforts of plush resorts, where exquisite dining offers a sophisticated alternative to end the day: sophisticated French-inspired fare by chef Olivier Elzer at Pink Pearl nestled within JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort; the aromatic grill specialties of Lua at New World Phu Quoc Resort; or authentic Cantonese cuisine of Seta at La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton.

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This article was brought to you by DestinAsian and Sun Group.

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