Thailand forum

easy-well, mostly up to you. There are a very few regular boats now-but they do not really allow day trips. Plus I see really no point if you stay on some island to visit another island that pretty much is the same on a smaller scale. Unless you seem to do island collections.
Prices for private hire boats tend to run in the 1000s of THB for short trips. Think of jet-set pricing.

I disagree that every island is the same, a big island like Ko Chang has a totally different feel compared to the relaxed stretch of beach on Ko Maak and the delightfully tiny-ness of Ko Wai . We spent two weeks feeling out these three islands and found each offered a unique experience. If you are really into swimming, I don't think Ko Maak is the best choice, as we found the water shallow and rocky, but nice for being out on beach and good food scene on the beach. Ko Wai is the spot to go for some snorkeling just off shore, and I believe they arrange day trips for that from Bang Bao . Ko Chang has a few different feels, depending on where you want to stay as well - Salakphat Bay is delightfully isolated (Long Beach), for a backpacker scene I think Lonely Beach must still be the place to go, Khlong Prao offered a quieter beach than White Sand so we liked that. So, for things to do I'd recommend checking out the different beaches if you get bored with the one you have locked in at the hotel. There is some treking across the center of the island and even if you decide not to take the day trip that departs from Bang Bao to Ko Wai I'd recommend a visit to Bang Bao village for lunch or dinner.

The place is called Treehouse, but you stay in bungalows above the beach, up a hill - the lounge/restaurant is perched up like you're in a tree-house though, but really on a 'cliff' above the ocean.