Review of Kazik Park Hoi An – A Peaceful Stopover Not Everyone Knows About

Kazik Park was built in 2007, located right in the center of Hoi An Ancient Town, as a deep tribute to the late architect Kazimierz Kwiatkowski – affectionately known as Kazik. He was a Polish architect, born in 1944 and passed away in 1997 while participating in the restoration project of The Mieu Temple at the Hue Imperial Citadel. Kazik spent more than a decade (from the 1980s to the 1990s) researching, preserving, and promoting the values of Vietnamese cultural heritage, including Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, and the Complex of Hue Monuments.

He was the first to recognize the special value of Hoi An, when back in the 1980s, the ancient town was still an area receiving little attention, with many ancient houses severely deteriorating. Kazik walked through every alley, drew maps, took photos, and kept detailed notes, while also convincing local authorities and UNESCO to recognize Hoi An as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1999 – just two years after his passing. Thanks to his efforts, Hoi An was not only preserved but also became a top travel destination, contributing to the local economic development.

The park named after him features a granite bust at its center, accompanied by a stele inscribed with words of tribute. Annually, on March 19th – the occasion remembering Kazik's death anniversary, the authorities and residents of Hoi An organize a solemn memorial ceremony combined with an exhibition of photos and documents about his heritage preservation journey. This activity contributes to spreading awareness of cultural heritage preservation values to the community and tourists.

Kazik Park is located at 138 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, former Quang Nam Province (now Da Nang City). This location is very convenient, situated within the ancient town area, making it easy to combine with other attractions such as the Cantonese Assembly Hall or Tan Ky Ancient House.

If you are in Da Nang, about 30km from Hoi An, you can travel by motorbike, taxi, or bus (Da Nang - Hoi An route costing around 20,000 - 30,000 VND/trip). From central Hoi An, you just need to walk or ride a bicycle (rentable for 20,000 VND/hour) to reach the park. The park is open 24/7 for free, with no admission fee, so you can visit anytime, whether in the early morning to enjoy the fresh air or in the evening to admire the lanterns.

Note: If traveling by motorbike, please park at nearby public parking lots for a fee of around 5,000 - 10,000 VND/trip to avoid congestion.

Although the area is not too large (about 1,000m²), Kazik Park still offers a sense of peace thanks to its design harmonizing with nature. Highlights include:

• Kazik Statue: As the main symbol, exquisitely carved from granite, featuring a stern face and a distinctive beard. Fresh flowers, incense, and candles offered by locals and tourists are often placed in front of the statue, showing respect.
• Greenery and stone benches: The park is covered with ancient trees, vibrant bougainvillea, and lush green lawns. There are many stone benches to sit and rest, ideal for reading a book or chatting.
• Memorial stele and exhibitions: Information boards introducing Kazik's life in Vietnamese, English, and Polish are usually present. On special occasions, the park hosts exhibitions such as "Overcoming the Sand Grain" highlighting Poland's heritage preservation achievements in Vietnam.

Compared to other large parks in Hoi An like Hoi An Impression Theme Park, Kazik stands out for its tranquility and historical value, suitable for those who love culture rather than vibrant entertainment.

More than just a riverside green space, Kazik Park is also a venue for many unique cultural activities, contributing to enriching the experience of tourists visiting Hoi An.

• Folk music performances: In the evening, especially on weekends, you might come across groups of artists performing traditional instruments like the monochord (đàn bầu), bamboo flute, or singing Bai Choi.
• Relaxation and photography: With a background of ancient houses and the Hoai River, the park is an ideal "virtual check-in" photo spot. Try sitting under the tree canopy, enjoying a cup of coffee from a roadside shop, or the famous grilled pork skewers on the park sidewalk (Ms. Vien's stall, priced around 10,000 - 20,000 VND/skewer).
• Learning history: Read on-site documents or join a guided tour (if available) to better understand Kazik's role in bringing Hoi An onto the world heritage map.

The park is therefore not only a sight-seeing place but also a space connecting culture, history, and local life – a small stopover yet sufficient to make the journey of exploring Hoi An more complete and meaningful.

Although it is a small and free public space, preparing carefully before visiting will help you fully enjoy the peaceful beauty here. Below are practical experiences to make your outing more comfortable and memorable:

• Ideal time: Early morning (6:00 - 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 - 6:00 PM) to avoid the hot sun. During the rainy season (October - December), bring an umbrella as the park has no roof.
• Safety and hygiene: Maintain cleanliness and do not litter. The park has a free public restroom nearby.
• Combine itineraries: Combine with a visit to the ancient town to save time. If staying in Hoi An for long, attend the Kazik memorial ceremony in March for a deeper experience.
• Cost: Completely free, but if eating and drinking around the area, budget around 50,000 - 100,000 VND/person.

In the tourism picture of Hoi An, the green space named Kazik Park plays the role of a necessary “quiet pause” amidst the vibrant development pace of the heritage urban area. Its value lies not in its scale or entertainment amenities, but in its cultural significance, symbolism, and the feeling of relaxation it offers to visitors. Choosing to stop at this park means choosing to take time to observe, feel, and understand more about the heritage preservation story associated with the ancient town. With the advantage of free admission, a convenient location, and an open space, this destination is suitable for both short-term tourists and those who wish to explore Hoi An in greater depth.