Looking for Lost Thailand

[Greenman]

I'll be in Thailand for about three weeks in December and January. Is it still possible to find islands or mainland beaches that have good diving and are quiet and relatively undeveloped? From what I'm reading here, it's hard to find "lost Thailand" between the resorts. I'm not opposed to the resorts, in fact my girlfriend and I are planning to take a class in Phuket because we've been impressed with what we've heard about the Phuket Scuba Club. We'd just like to get away from it all at times as well.

I'm not stuck on either side of the peninsula, so please be openminded with your suggestions.

Thanks,
Greenman

p.s. I'd love to hear about undervalued liveaboards to uncongested sites as well.

 

[bubblemonkey]

if you are looking for a nice bungalow type place away from the thumping of the local nightclubs try Koh Lanta on the west coast.