From Thong Sala down to Ao Ban Khai, the coastline is all in lowland areas and has long been used as coconut plantation. The flat land allows the beaches to run uninterrupted for over six kilometers, broken only by streams and rivers that spring from the surrounding mountains. The resorts are generally well spaced, have a good deal of beach frontage and it is always possible to find a secluded spot anywhere along the long white sand beach
Ao Bang Charu is well situated close to Thong Sala and on the main road to Had Rin. Its proximity to town and open sandy beach has made it a popular destination in Koh Pha Ngan for over twenty years. It is a peaceful beach with sunset views over Koh Samui; well away from the main road and big enough to really get away from it all. A river where crocodiles once lived enters the beach between First Villa and Chokana resorts; and from the river up towards the town, the sand is plentiful and the beach wide. Palm trees from the coconut plantations fringe the coastline making it the kind of place Desert Island dreams are made of.
The coral reef lies about 200 metres from the beach, and the waters are fairly shallow before it, thus in low tidal season (April to November) it can be difficult to swim unless you time it with the daily high tides. Snorkeling is good once over the reef.
One of the main reasons why the bungalows on Ao Bang Charu are popluar is the proximity to Thong Sala and other services. Many people waiting for the morning ferry to Surat Thani, Koh Samui or Koh Tao stay in this area for one night before moving on.
