Electric Pole Superstar as Vientiane’s New Landmark

This Week

A heavily tangled electricity pole in downtown Vientiane has recently gone viral online, drawing attention from both locals and foreign visitors curious about the unusual sight.

Located at the four-way intersection of Sethathirath Road and Rue Nokeokoummane near Wat Mixay in Chanthabouly district, the single electricity pole carries not only power lines but also a dense web of fiber-optic cables, internet lines, and other telecommunications wires.

Over the years, the accumulation of different cables on the same pole has created an unusually messy appearance, making it stand out even in a busy city center.

The pole has even been pinned on Google Maps under the name “Electric pole super star.” Although it is unclear who added the location, the listing has quickly attracted attention, gathering more than 40 reviews within just a week.

Many tourists walking through the area are often surprised by the sight and stop to take photos of the pole.

One visitor, George Kalogerak, wrote in a review:

“One of my favourite spots in the city, worth walking by to have a look. Jokes aside, Vientiane is a very nice city, but it’s crazy how many cables you see. This one is the craziest of all!”

Another visitor, Roos Vgn, commented: “Highlight of Vientiane! It really is a super star.”

The humor was not lost on everyone. 

One comment by Souliyo Vongdala humorously suggested that the pole should be nominated as a UNESCO landmark.

While there is no official information about when the pole was first installed, old photos suggest it may have been standing in the area for at least 40 years.

Today, the chaotic cluster of cables has unexpectedly turned the ordinary infrastructure into a quirky attraction, with visitors stopping by to capture what some jokingly call one of Vientiane’s most unusual “soft power” landmarks.

Latest article