60 days visa exemption for now. They don't ask for insurance.
Not sure what the issue is. Islands ruined but mainland is better. More hotels and more cafes along the road.
Its only super busy til Jan 15. Most tourists go home then. Stacks of resorts out there you can book a day ahead.
The best way is use Google maps first.
I tried expensive travel. It was nowhere near as much fun as cheap travel. Local buses, trains, random huts here. Most 5 star hotels have no soul or character.
But you are spot on. Enjoy your life. We are all on different paths.