Bangkok is a great place to shop (the conversion rate is great!). There are huge malls and little malls, shopping centers and mom and pop stores all over the city. One can easily spend an entire week in Bangkok just shopping. Thai silk is one of the most famous items to look for during your shopping time. Additionally, gemstones are quite abundant but one must know what one is looking for to find a real bargain. Like any big city, there are plenty of unscrupulous people who want your money. If you are interested in high-quality gemstones then the authorized tourist shops are the only way to go. They will be a little bit pricey but the gemstones will be real and guaranteed. There are probably very few honest bargains to be found in buying jewelry, so if you like it or you want it as a gift, get it. Don't think of it as some kind of investment. The following are a few of my favorite shopping places.
Pantip Plaza. If you are interested in computers, this is the place for you. Five floors of nothing but computers, parts, software and accessories. A computer geek's total paradise. I usually plan to make at least three trips to Pantip Plaza while I am in Thailand.
Siam Square. Outside the big malls, this place is probably the most Western shopping center in Bangkok. Everything you can imagine will be here including a few hamburgers and shakes.
