Hey Tia--you mention a desire for a quiet place to stay. The advice to avoid Patong is exactly right; Karon and Kata are both quieter, but still busy tourist centers which are quite crowded during the year-end rush. My vote for a quiet area on Phuket itself is Nai Harn, and super quiet is Ao Sane. Khao Lak is recovering, but it's not on the island (not that it really makes much difference). If you are looking for a short liveaboard option, that may be the way to go.