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.