VPSchecklist

This should be followed when setting up a new VPS.

Create an Ubuntu 16.04 x64 VPS
Follow this: https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/initial-server-setup-with-ubuntu-16-04
Backup the VPS so we can easily revert if something goes wrong.
Set up firewall. See https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/additional-recommended-steps-for-new-ubuntu-14-04-servers
Install LAMP. See https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-install-linux-apache-mysql-php-lamp-stack-on-ubuntu-16-04
https://www.vpsserver.com/community/tutorials/46/installing-and-securing-phpmyadmin-on-ubuntu-16-04-server/