I'm going to fly from Bangkok to China and need a Chinese Tourist visa. I'' be in Bangkok for a week or so before I go to China. I leave in about a month. I live in Hawaii. Would it be quicker to get the visa by mail in the US or in person when I get to Bangkok?

I assume you'll be using a visa agency if applying in the US since you don't live near a consulate (applying by mail is not an option). Standard processing for visas is 4-5 working days. Expedited processing, as quick as 1 working day, is usually available for an additional fee. You'll need to add to that the time it takes to send your passport to the visa agency and for them to send it back. I would do this by overnight/2 day UPS or Fedex. Do not entrust your passport to the postal service. Since you're leaving in a month, you have plenty of time to get your visa in advance.

I have no idea how long it takes to get a Chinese visa in Bangkok.

i would not waste my time in bkk getting a visa...i would do it asap from home using fedex...it will cost you however...consult a visa agency or ask your travel agent...

Just make sure your visa is valid for the times you want to enter China. In most cases, you need to enter China within 30 days of its issue. if you're only spending a week in BKK, then you're OK. But if that week can turn into 3????

Visas issued at US embassy and consulate locations are generally valid for entry 90 days from the date of issuance (sometimes longer).