Bangkok is the best place for cheap shopping of all kinds.  They are renowned for their authentic-looking rip-off designer goods, and clothing is amazingly cheap.  Best markets/places to go include:  Chat Tu Chak (although it is really hot and crowded & can become overwhelming), Sum Lum Night Bazaar is good for a night out,  MBK (Mahboonkrong) Center sells great bags and clothes (and is wonderfully air-conditioned), but by far the best place for shopping (and just to check out the scene) is Patpong.  It is certainly the Thai experience. I kinda hate Bangkok, as it is a falling down mess, but the shopping and food are unbeatable.  I suggest being adventurous & buying from the street sellers... they really make the best food although it looks dodgy.  Great places to visit are: The Royal Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and taking an hour or so train to the abandoned city of Ayutthaya (although I suggest seeing Ayutthaya before ever going to Cambodia for Angkor Wat).  After Angkor Wat, Ayutthaya is quite disappointing.