Bangkok pulls in shoppers from all over the world, clamoring to find bargains at the endless streetside stalls or in the new ultrachic, brand-name boutiques. High-quality goods at very reasonable prices are available, if you look hard, but any discussion of shopping in Thailand must be prefaced with a warning about shopping scams. If you encounter problems with any merchants, take their business card and contact the Tourist Police, or report the incident to your hotel concierge.

Antiques — Buying antiques to take out of Thailand is tricky. Authentic antiques are more than 200 years old (they must date from the beginning of the Chakri dynasty in Bangkok), but these days most items are good reproductions that have been professionally “distressed” — even the Certificate of Authenticity can be a forgery. If you do find something real, remember that the Thai government has an interest in keeping authentic antiquities and sacred items in the country, and will require special permission for export. By law, Buddha images are prohibited from export, except for religious or educational purposes; even in these instances, you’ll still have to obtain permission from the Department of Fine Arts to remove them from Thailand. This rule is little enforced, though, and the focus is more on antique Buddhas than those you’ll find in tourist markets.

Bangkok has some small, independent designers of its own, who create Thai-influenced fashions that look good back home. Nagara, Kloset, Fly Now, Grey by Greyhound, and Anurak are all well-established local labels producing great ready-to-wear items for men and women. It’s certainly not Parisian haute couture, but the designs are fresh and original, and prices will be a fraction of those in designer boutiques back home. If you want really unique clothes or accessories, have a trawl around Siam Square for the latest Thai styles.

Street vendors throughout the city are a good source of affordable and fun souvenirs. The best stalls are along Sukhumvit Road, beginning at Soi 4, and on Khao San Road. Little of the stuff sold there is unique, but the prices are great, and many people stock up on gifts such as mango wood bowls, chopsticks, candles, incense, or small decorative lamps made of mulberry paper or coconut shells. Impressive brass, bronze, and pewter items, as well as fine celadon (green ceramic ware), are all available in many outlets on Sukhumvit and Charoen Krung (New) roads.

Sapphires, rubies, garnets, turquoise, and zircons are mined in Thailand, and nearly every other stone you can think of is imported and cut here. Thai artisans are among the most skillful in the world; work in gold and silver is generally of high quality at very good value. If you’re interested in a custom setting, bring a photo or drawing of what you’d like and prepare to discuss your ideas at length.

You’ll find gemstone, silver, and gold stores in every part of town but it can be hard to cut through the noise of what’s real and worth the money. Head to the Jewelry Trade Center (JTC) for more than 300 retails outlets specializing in jewelry, gems, and diamonds. At the JTC, Tabtim Dreams has a good reputation.