About 400 kilometres north of Bangkok and conveniently located along the route to Chiang Mai, the ruins of Sukhothai – Thailand’s ancient capital – still stand today, with temples, towering Buddha statues and remnants of the former city wall scattered across 119 square kilometres. The structures are spread out so the best way to take in the history-soaked scenery is to book a bike tour and wind your way around the Sukhothai Historical Park on two wheels.

Take the four-hour drive east of Chiang Mai to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat (Wat Chaloem Phrakiat Worawihan) to see the “floating” white pagodas that dot the mountaintop. Once you arrive at the ancient temple, hail a songthaew (shuttle) to take you to the complex’s second tier, before tackling the 800-metre hike to the summit. The lookout here, strewn with Buddhist bells, offers spectacular views.

In January and February, when the bua daeng (“red lotus”) are in full bloom across Udon Thani – which lies in the country’s north-east not far from the border with Laos – an incredible natural phenomenon takes place. At around 6am from late December until mid-February, just as the light hits, the thousands of lillies cloaking the water’s surface begin to open, setting the lake ablaze in vivid pink hues before closing at around 11am again. The stunning sight is best viewed from a boat.

Home to the striking King and Queen Pagodas, Thailand’s tallest peak (Doi Inthanon), a series of nature trails and even sakura blossoms, if you time your trip around February, this region punches well above its weight. The national park is about a 90-minute drive south-west of Chiang Mai and you can extend your stay with a night at Chiang Mai Elephant Friends – a multi bungalow resort that’s dedicated to the conservation of elephants – before lacing up your hiking boots and taking advantage of the natural splendour on offer here.

Founded by animal conservationist Saengduean Lek Chailert, the Elephant Nature Park – a 90-minute bus ride from Chiang Mai – is the ideal setting for absorbing the beauty and grace of these gentle giants without causing harm. Book an afternoon tour and watch the herd make its way down the river to its night shelter as the light in the jungle slowly wanes.

You’ll have The Beach soundtrack playing in your head as the gemstone-coloured waters and dramatic rock formations of the Surin Islands come into view. Getting to the five-island archipelago takes about 90 minutes by boat from the Greenview Pier in the Khura Buri district, which is about 3.5 hours’ drive from Phuket. Trek through the verdant jungle or hit the water with snorkelling gear – the coral reefs below the ocean’s surface are just as impressive as the views above and if you visit during February or March, you may even be lucky enough to spot whale sharks in the wild.

South of Koh Lanta, in the Andaman Sea, Koh Lipe’s sun-soaked beaches and turquoise waters will make it immediately obvious why locals call it the “Maldives of Thailand”. The closest airport is in Hat Yai (daily flights depart from Bangkok) – from there, an hour and 45 minute drive, followed by the same on a ferry or speedboat, will land you inside your own tropical-island fantasy complete with technicolour reefs to explore. 

It’s all about the after-dark experience at this quirky temple, perched above the Mekong River near the border with Laos. Its exterior is decorated with an ornate tree painted with fluorescent pigments that glow after dark. The best time of year to visit is during the Yi Peng Lantern Festival – held on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, which usually falls in November – when the night sky is filled with luminous paper lanterns.

Set on the rim of an extinct volcano and shrouded in greenery, the Hindu Khmer temple complex in Phanom Rung Historical Park dates back to the 10th century and is a marvel of design and history. The five-hour bus ride from Bangkok requires an additional 30 minutes by tuktuk or songthaew from nearby Nang Rong. On arrival you’ll cross three Naga bridges – which symbolise the connection between the earthly and heavenly realms – before wandering among the pavilions and towers that make up the complex.

A jungle reserve with biodiversity rich enough to rival Brazil’s Amazon, Khao Sok National Park is one of the oldest evergreen virgin rainforests in the world. Caves, hiking trails and elephants – adventure is never far in this natural wonderland, about a two-hour drive north of Krabi. But Cheow Lan Lake, the 165-square-kilometre man-made waterhole in the park’s centre, is the undisputed highlight. For a tranquil start to the day, bring along a picnic blanket and settle in by the mist-shrouded shore as birdsong fills your ears.  

A 15-minute longtail-boat ride from Koh Tao lands you on its lesser-known sister isle, Nang Yuan (both lie north of Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island). Here, pristine beach links a trio of rock formations that emerge from the sea. The bays created by these granite peaks offer world-class diving and snorkelling but those who prefer to keep their feet dry can hike 30 minutes (there and back) to the island’s highest viewpoint for a panorama that stretches all the way back to Koh Tao.

Remote and lush with dense forest, the mountainous province of Mae Hong Son borders Myanmar and its misty hills are home to hot springs, canyons and Burmese-style temples. Soak up the local culture with a visit to one of the hill-tribe communities then wander the rice fields, walking along the 500-metre-long Su Tong Pae bamboo bridge that links Tham Poo Sa Ma temple to the village of Ban Gung Mai Sak.

Laid-back Pai, in north-west Thailand, is ideal for adventurers who want to immerse themselves in the lesser-known parts of the country – such as Pai Canyon, with its vibrant orange rock-wall paths. The 5.8-kilometre loop trail rewards you with dramatic peaks and valleys stretching as far as the eye can see.

Thailand is certainly not short on temples but the intricacy and opulence of Chiang Rai’s Wat Rong Khun, a dazzling silvery-white Buddhist temple, is a stand-out. The drive from the city takes around 20 minutes – be sure to stop for a closer look at the atmospheric “garden of hands” on the temple grounds, which adds to the site’s Gothic feel.