Finally, someone has re-started direct flights to Okinawa from Bangkok. It is about time because this route was one of the unique destinations for Southeast Asians to experience a different side of Japan.

Known as the Hawaii of Japan, Okinawa is one of the bucket list places for many travellers. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, AirAsia X had a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Okinawa, but it was stopped during the pandemic.

Direct Flights to Okinawa from Bangkok

This time in March 2023, budget airline Thai Vietjet expanded its wings with new direct flights between Bangkok and Okinawa in Japan in collaboration with leading Thai travel agency Tourladfah Co., Ltd. Currently, this new route is the only nonstop service between the two major Asian hubs after AAX stopped their direct flights from Kuala Lumpur.

The route between Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and Okinawa’s Naha Airport will fly twice per week on Thursdays and Sundays, starting March 16, 2023. Flight VZ3800 will depart from Bangkok at 8.50 am, and flight VZ3801 will depart from Okinawa at 4.00 pm.

Vietjet Bangkok Okinawa Direct Flights Launch — At the launching of the inaugural flight from Bangkok to Okinawa. Photo from Fintrip Facebook Page.

The new route aims to bolster travel between the two countries as Japan is the number one desired destination among Thai people, so this flight route is expected to thrive throughout the year.

The only way to get to Okinawa from Bangkok is to layover in Fukuoka, Incheon, Taiwan, or Hong Kong, which are all connecting flights and may take several hours more with the transits and so on.

Ticket prices are unavailable as the new destination has not yet been added to Thai Vietjet’s website, and this may be a special service from the Thai company where you may need to book directly via Tourladfah, who is a leading travel agency specialising in outbound Thai travel to Japan.

Flight times for Bangkok to Okinawa Vietjet — The two flight times for the Okinawa flights to and from Bangkok.

Okinawa is one of Japan’s 47 prefectures, located in the southernmost part of the country. It comprises more than 160 inhabited and uninhabited islands stretching over 1,000 kilometres in the East China Sea. The prefecture’s capital is on Okinawa’s main island, also called Okinawara, known for its beaches, coral reefs, and unique culture.

For more information, you can read this article on Okinawa for first time visitors, done by our associate travel site MalaysiaAsia. It highlights places to visit, what to do and so on, especially for those who need to know more about this beautiful island.

Bangkok to Okinawa Direct Flight Launch Vietjet — Officials during the inaugural Okinawa flight from Bangkok, Thailand. Photo from Fintrip Facebook Page.

Conclusion

As of writing this on 29 March 2023, the direct flights to Okinawa from Bangkok seem to be only available through the Thai tour company as there has not been any routes available via the Vietjet website.

Hopefully, they will include this route in thier booking enjine for the benefit of other travellers who want to fly direct to Okinawa from Bangkok. For more information, you can also visit the Vietjet website as they may have updates there.