Steeped in Buddhist, Hindu and Taoist tradition, Bangkok is about so much more than delicious food and raucous parties (though it has those too). Bypass its exuberant backpacker culture for more hallowed ground as you dig into the royal and religious history of the city, with its shimmering stupas, solid-gold buddhas and glittering, jewel-encrusted temples. Wander throne halls in search of the Emerald Buddha, visit a temple where the monks are expert in Thai massage, and climb Wat Saket’s golden mount to the tinkling of hundreds of temple bells. This visit is about understanding Bangkok’s proud, independent history and its deep-veined heritage.

Bangkok’s heritage runs deep, but at your next stop, on the way to Saraburi, it runs even deeper. Capital of Siam for over 400 years, Ayutthaya was once one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities. Today, it’s a fascinating World Heritage Site famous for its crumbling brick reliquary towers, giant monasteries, and cultural influences from across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Stop in at Bang Pa-In Summer Palace with its layers of idiosyncratic architecture (think Chinese pavilions, Romanesque statues and a Buddhist temple built like a Gothic church), then hop in a “kermit” tuk-tuk to explore the ruins. After soaking up the city’s heritage, head on to Saraburi for the evening.

You’ve seen Thailand’s current capital and its most celebrated, now it’s time to see its first: Sukhothai. Stop in first at Lopburi — or “Monkey City” — to visit its famous crab-eating macaques, then hop on a bike to explore the ruins of the former capital. 13th century Sukhothai was where Thai identity as we know it first coalesced, and that golden age left a beautiful landscape of temples and chedis scattered between tree-lined ponds, rice paddies and villages. For many who live here, little has changed since those days, as you’ll find when you visit Ban Na Thon Chan. At this 200-year-old village, watch and learn about traditional cooking and weaving, and maybe even have a go yourself.

Depart from the tourist trail as you travel on via Phrae to Naan, a lovely, rural town near the border with Laos. Phrae is known for its beautiful teakwood architecture, which includes a Buddhist school, and old chedi and an octagonal drum tower. Stop to visit Vongburi house, a colonial-style teak mansion built in 1897, then continue onwards to Naan — where the Riverside Art Gallery and the beautiful frescoes of Wat Phumin are among the local highlights. Stop in at the National Museum for a look at the silverwork, textiles and tribal regalia of the region — then, for the best views in town, head up the 303 steps to the “Blessing Buddha” for a stunning, panoramic sunset.

The next leg of your journey is all about getting to know some of the many indigenous cultures that make up Thailand’s rich tapestry. Start with a visit to the Mlabri: one of the smallest ethnic minorities in Southeast Asia. Until the 1990s, the Mlabri still lived a nomadic existence, subsisting by hunting and gathering, sleeping in temporary shelters made from palm leaves and bamboo. After spending a morning getting to know them, it’s on to Lanjia Lodge in the far north. With this beautiful oasis as your base, visit Hmong and Lahu villages, try your hand at traditional batik, chat to a local shaman, and go on a boat ride on the Mekong to hear legends of the famous Giant Catfish.

It’s time to delve even deeper into the remote reaches of the northern mountains as you move west through the provincial towns and villages of Fang, Doi Pu Muen and Pai. Here, Shan influence seeps across the border from Myanmar and into Lanna and Lahu communities speckled through the hills. Stop to swim beneath waterfalls, picnic in tropical forest, cycle between temples and browse markets brimming with fruit and flowers. At 1,306m above sea level, visit tea plantations to learn how the leaves are picked and processed, then continue on the the backpacker hub of Pai, where the night market offers sterling souvenir-buying opportunities. As scenery goes, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Mae Hong Son is Thailand’s most remote town — a cultural stew of Shan, Thai, Lisu, Karen and Hmong peoples from the surrounding mountains. Getting here will be an adventure in itself, as you stop to explore Tham Lod Cave by bamboo raft, then visit the koi-filled creeks and caves of Tam Pla Park. When you do finally reach Mae Hong Son, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over mountains, town and valleys from a beautiful hilltop temple. It’s up early the next morning for the drive into those very mountains to Pang Oung — also known as the Switzerland of Thailand for its gorgeous lakeside scenery — and Ban Rak Village, where Yunnanese culture has lingered for centuries.

With its 11th century temples and trendy cafés jostling for space along laid-back, leafy streets, you’d have to try quite hard not to enjoy the vibe in Chiang Mai. Soak up the region’s venerable history at the temples of Doi Suthep National Park at dusk, then head out on a night-time tour — including prayers at a local temple, dinner at one of the city’s most elegant venues, and sweet-sampling at bustling Waroros Market. Then, to round off your Thai adventure with a final unique experience, don a pair of “fisherman’s pants” and spend the day at a family house outside the city, observing basket-weaving, wandering the family orchard, and cooking up a storm of Northern Thai flavors for lunch.