Vietnam closed airports and evacuated thousands of people from their homes in potentially effected areas on Sunday as an intensifying Typhoon Bualoi barrelled towards the country, days after causing at least 10 deaths and widespread flooding in the Philippines.

The typhoon, which was packing wind speeds of up to 133kmh, is expected to make landfall in central Vietnam late on Sunday, earlier than previous forecasts as it was travelling fast, according to Vietnam's national weather forecast agency.

"This is a rapidly moving storm – nearly twice the average speed – with strong intensity and a broad area of impact. It is capable of triggering multiple natural disasters simultaneously, including powerful winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, flash floods, landslides, and coastal inundation," the agency added.

Authorities in the central province of Ha Tinh have started to evacuate more than 15,000 people, the government said, with thousands of troops on standby.

Vietnam suspended operations at four coastal airports from Sunday, including Danang international airport, and rescheduled the departure time of several flights, the Civil Aviation Authority said.

Heavy rain has already caused flooding in Hue and Quang Tri, the government said.

Last year, Typhoon Yagi killed around 300 people and caused damage running into billion of dollars. (Reuters)