krabi and koh tao

hi, i´m going to to travel to thailandia next november. I want to spend 10 days in the islands. I was told that the best are Phi Phi, Ko Lanta, Ko Phangam and Koh Tao. Do you agree?? could you recomend me another island that you thinks is worth viviting??? What do you think about Phangnga Bay (james Bond island)?? could you recommend me any hostel in these island (between 20 and 35 usd)
thank you so much!

ps: I don´t want to visit the North of Thaildand could you recommend me any other place that you consider is worth visiting. What do you think abut Cambodia??thank you so much,

elisa.-

It's really impossible to say what island is 'best' in Thailand as they are all quite different.
Ko Tao and Ko Phangan are in the Gulf of Thailand. Phangan is famed for its full-moon parties and laid back beaches while Tao is popular for diving.
Ko Tao maybe popular with divers but the Andaman Sea in the West with Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta in particular is home to the best diving area in Thailand. Phi Phi is small, quite packed but still beautiful (the movie: The Beach) while Lanta is more laid back and quiet.

10 days - take your pick. The Gulf of Thailand or the Andaman Sea. Can't do both in that time.

do you know any good hostel in these islands (Phi phi- Koh Lanta- Koh tao- Koh Phangman??
thank you

Elisa,
I vote that you pick the Krabi area. Railay Beach is just about the perfect beach experience. Hire a long-tailed boat and island hop the many off-shore islands. Hit Phi Phi for1-2 days. Maya Beach is where part 'The Beach' was filmed. Worth day tripping. You still have time for a few days on Koh Lanta. Good luck with your planning.

Personally I loved Koh Lanta, its not as heavily developed as the other islands and still has a laid back vibe about it and is cheaper than the other more popular destinations. I was also disapointed with Phi Phi, for such a small place its incredibly busy and noisy and although its still beautiful you have to dig beneath the beer bottles and ciggarette butts to find it.

It all depends what youre looking for, busy active night life or something more relaxed.

You'll be lucky to find hostels on the Islands, theres usually a heavy mark up on accomadation compared to the mainland.

Quoting eli-85

do you know any good hostel in these islands (Phi phi- Koh Lanta- Koh tao- Koh Phangman??
thank you

I don't think there are any hostels on these islands. Google it and you get a hotel. I would not book anything until you arrive at whatever island you decide to spend your time. My best advice is to use Krabi town as your base. Check with several travel shops in town and tell them your budget. They may suggest an idyllic spot off the beaten path. I did this years ago and went to a small beach resort, cannot remember the name. Left after one day as it was too boring for me. If you choose Krabi coast, you have the busy Phi Phi, to laid back Lanta, something for everyone. Good luck.