Samut Songkhram, also known as Mae Klong, was originally part of Ratchaburi Province and referred to as "Bang Chang." The area, believed to have royal ties as early as 2173 BE, became home to royal figures, including descendants of King Naresuan’s brother who sought refuge here. During the Ayutthaya period, the region's location made it a critical outpost and trade point, especially as it developed its agricultural significance, known as "outer garden," while Bangkok was "inner garden."

In the late Ayutthaya and Thonburi periods, Samut Songkhram (Mae Klong) gained greater prominence, serving as a defensive site during Burmese invasions. King Taksin fortified the region, specifically Bang Kung Camp, marking it as a critical defensive line in Thai-Burmese conflicts. The town’s royal connections grew stronger in the Rattanakosin era with Queen Amarindra (from the Bang Chang lineage), mother of King Rama II, having ancestral ties to the area. This connection solidified Samut Songkhram's role as a royal family heritage site, where traditional courtly arts, culinary practices, and cultural rituals were preserved.

The exact date of the name change to "Samut Songkhram" is unclear but is estimated between 1752 and 1756 BE. Today, Samut Songkhram maintains its historical roots with 11 sub-districts, each reflecting its unique blend of royal and cultural heritage.