Yes, The only way to approach the Islands now is to do it in a whole new way.
No use dwelling on the past thinking how brilliant it was 20 years ago and how foked it is now with the tourist influx.
I had some of the best time of my life living with the Thais back then before mass tourism foked it all up.
The " whole different way " to me now is to stay in nice gaffs taking advantage of the A/C, hot water, pools and all the modern conveniences and great value for money compared to back in the west .
The days of living in beach huts for 30 baht a night and smoking mull 24/7 are long gone but held in my memory forever.
Happy days for sure.