Budget Travel - Koh Samui/Koh Phanang

My boyfriend and I are travelling to Koh Phanang, Koh Samui and a very brief two day stop in Bangkok at the beginning of March. Does anyone have any feedback as to which beaches are the best (perhaps a bit off the beaten track) is it worth hiring a car, where is the "hub" of nightlife activity (gay) which restaurants are a must and what are we to expect at the Full Moon Party? Also in Bangkok, what sites do we NEED to fit in and which ones should we not bother with? Apparently all taxi's and tuk-tuk transport are out to rob you and take you to places you didn't ask to go to - how can we find honest drivers?

Hope someone can help! :):p;)

Apparently all taxi's and tuk-tuk transport are out to rob you and take you to places you didn't ask to go to - how can we find honest drivers?

Hope someone can help! :):p;)

Don;t get into a cab unless he agrees to turn his meter on. Thats my rule in BKK if you are new. If you know you're way around, you can negotiate, but if you are new, just make sure he uses his meter. Even if he drives in circles a bit, its only an extra 50 cents (taxis are super cheap in BKK)

Although I've yet to make it to Samui, I do know that Chaweng is where you will find what there is of gay nightlife, mostly cabaret bars. In my experience, most Thai taxi drivers are NOT out to rip you off, but it is important that YOU know where you want to go and how to inform the driver of that fact. The drivers who are most likely to rip you off are the ones lingering just outside your hotel; it is much better to hail a moving taxi.

For good basic information for the gay tourist in Thailand, I recommend that you check out dreadedned.com and dragoncastle.net.

Chaweng is full of western idiots who have ruined the place, they are much nicer places to go, especially on the west side. Big Johns is great place to stay, it changed its name to Lipa Lovely and you get to anwhere on the island from there on a scooter or in a rental car. Also close to the ferry to go to Koh Phanang and Koh Tao which is well worth a trip for a few days chill and scuba which is amongst the best in world

Thank you for all your replies, that has been a real help :p