Surely it is fair to say that Patong is THE number one destination on the island. Patong- it's easy enough to see just looking at the map- has the greatest concentration of resorts, hotels, bars, go-go bars, restaurants, etc. Most visitors are single men but more and more you will see families.
The resorts, not surprisingly, are along the beach and at the north and south end of Patong. You actually can find peace and quiet, a bit of tranquility, if not right in Patong, right on the fringe.