Where should I go? Phi Phi vs. Lanta vs. Pha-Ngan for chill out vacation

Looking for some advice from you seasoned Thailand travellers out there...

After a rather action packed 3 week trip in the north, I have 9 days to relax in the southern islands (end of January). My goal is to laze on a beach, do some awesome snorkelling, or just hang with some fellow travellers. I'm in my early 30's, female, travelling solo; I'm quite content to chill out over a beer or toss a disc rather than party wildly. Safety, low hassle and low stress are what I'm after.

My original thought was to spend 4 days in Phi Phi and the 5 in Pha-Ngan. However, I'm dismayed at the cost of accomodation/value for money I've heard of in Phi Phi, and am considering alternate plans, like maybe trying Koh Lanta. So, my questions are:

1. Any suggestions on how to best allocate my time between Phi Phi/ Lanta/ Pha-Ngan (phew! so many beaches!)/ mystery island X to maximize a relaxing end to my trip?

2. Any recommendations on accomodation at these places? I will have been using budget accomodation up to this point, so can afford to "splurge" a bit more, but I'd rather not pay more than an average of 3000 B per night. I appreciate that it's high season. A toilet in the room would be keen. I'd also prefer a quieter location, ie not directly on the main drag.

Thanks in advance for your time! Posts on here have been really helpful.

Cheers, Janey

I think Ko Lanta will be perfect for you,the X-mas and new year madness will be over.
Maybe try the www.redsnapper-lanta.com,they have nice affordable bungalows

For laid back, chilled out, great beach, fabulous snorkeling and not toooooo pricey.....take a look at PP Erewan Palms. Located, in my opinion, at the very best part of Phi Phi to stay at.
http://www.leightravelclub.com/index.htm

Hell Janey, 3000 is gonna get you a pretty flash place even in January - it's gunna blow the places I usually suggest right out of the water. Normally I'd say Toh Koh Resort on the laid back east coast of PP has all you want. But their best bungalow, a new aircon job they were building in August, should be well below 3000. Check my "newspaper" thread in this link - http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/ - for photos, more info.

Nice beach, good snorkelling at Long Beach. Check what I say about PP Hill, Paradise and Paradise Pearl in my main PP thread on that link.

How to split your time? - well with only 9 days I'd spllit it between PP and Lanta simply because shifting across is only gunna burn 2 hours vs most of the day to Phangan. Note Lanta is not great for snorkelling, but do one of the Trang island daytrips for good snorkelling by Thai standards, nice beaches and islands and the fabulous Emerald Cave. Check my Lanta thread in the above link for more info. Lots of places with your budget but I would head for Kantiang Bay and the Marine Park View Bungalows. Relax Bay Resort is anothe nice one, much closer to the ferry.

Good night, you guys are fantastic (and speedy)! Thank you very much for the great input!

:) Janey

Hey Janey!

I too, am in my 30's and love to end my time in Thailand relaxing and reading. For the last few years I have ended my time at Haad Yao beach on Ko Phangan. I find that beach alot more family orientated and a fantastic place to escape away from the crazy parties. Haad Yao is also one of the best beaches on the island for snorkelling and diving and with it being on KPG, still affordable compared to Ko Tao or Ko Samui. I have also loved Ko Lanta, but the beaches are no comparison to Ko Phiphi or Ko Phangan. What I like about KPG is that if you want something to do, there is alot of parties and activities to keep you busy and if you just want to chill and relax you can do that as well. And all within a affordable budget. Just my 2 cents. I'll be there during the same time. PM me if you would like to hit up a beer.