Thot Kathin is an important annual ceremony for Buddhists in Thailand and neighbouring countries. It takes place at the end of the monsoon season when monks are free to leave their monasteries and wander or go on pilgrimage. At this time, local devotees offer new robes and other essentials to the monks. Sponsoring a Kathin ceremony is considered a noble way of making merit in Thai society. Traditionally, the King of Thailand makes a donation to the monks at the temple of Wat Arun in Bangkok and travels down the Chao Phraya River in his royal barge to attend the ceremony.