A Thai cafe has become a hit among tourists for its replica of Bali's iconic 'Gates of Heaven'.

The Bali Nan cafe installed the imitation landmark 'to create a unique local attraction' in Nan province, Thailand.

Dozens of visitors can be seen queueing to take photos at the structure resembling the famous split gate at the sacred Penataran Agung Lempuyang Temple in Indonesia.

The base was made with concrete and metal, while the gate itself - known in Javanese and Balinese architecture as 'candi bentar' - was made with painted styrofoam. The pictorial costs 50 THB and there is also a park where customers can play with sheep.

Despite the boom in popularity, the cafe has also received backlash from people claiming the new attraction was 'plagiarised' and it was 'cultural appropriation'.

Mohammed Zah, from Denpasar in Bali, said: 'How dare they steal my country's culture and historic monument. They have copied our sacred religious architecture to make profit for themselves.'

Nancy Dacanay added: 'If people want to experience the magic of the Gates of Heaven, they should visit Bali themselves.'

The cafe owner defended the idea saying the intention was 'to simulate Bali and not copy it'.

He said: 'We are open to criticism and are willing to provide explanations. The area has not yet been fully opened and is still a work in progress.'

Bali's Gates of Heaven refers to the iconic split gateway at the Pura Lempuyang Luhur temple complex on Mount Lempuyang in East Bali, Indonesia. The gates frame a spectacular view of the Mount Agung volcano - said to be the dwelling of the gods - and has become a popular Instagram among tourists.